Page 27 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2017- Online Magazine
P. 27
learning condition. They traveled to Dallas and student-athletes as a center of support for achieving
explored schools designed to teach students with their academic goals and preparing for a post-
dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder collegiate life after sports. Accommodations include
(ADHD). In the fall of 2009, the determined mothers a computer lab, instructional classrooms, and
opened a similar private study and conference
private school in spaces for tutoring sessions.
Lubbock, just in The Center also houses the
time for Chase’s Texas Tech Academic Hall
and Alex’s seventh- of Fame, recognizing those
grade year. And athletes who excel in sports
since Marsha knew and academics.
a thing or two about
being “teachable,” Excel they do. In the 2016-
the boys decided to 2017 Texas Tech Academic
name the school in Honors and Achievements
her honor—Sharp Year in Review, 70 student-
Academy. athletes were named to the
President’s List, 121 to the
This not-for-profit, Marsha with Chase and Lisa Stane at The Sharp Academy Dean’s List, and 88 earned
Christian-based Academic All-Big 12 honors.
school features classes limited to six to eight Five sports (Men’s Golf, Women’s Basketball,
students, allowing teachers to provide one-on-one Women’s Cross-Country, Women’s Golf, and
instruction tailored to a child’s specific learning Women’s Tennis) boast a 100% graduate success
needs. Chase and Alex graduated in May 2015 with rate. And while this is no doubt a team effort,
three other seniors, and all five were accepted into Marsha’s initial financial treasure paved the path.
universities, cumulatively collecting over 90 credit
hours and over $100,000 in scholarships. What I love most about Marsha is, regardless of
the national recognition and numerous awards,
Marsha serves as Advisory Board Chairperson, she’s still one of us—a good ol’ West Texas gal
contributing a love and passion for educating with a heart for bumper cotton crops and Sunday
Lubbock’s youth, particularly the underserved morning church services, and for championing
population. In this role, she’s still recruiting the underserved in education, healthcare, and
those who are talented and who, in the right everything in between. For tirelessly devoting her
environment, become teachable. time, treasure and talents to the betterment of West
Texas and the Lubbock community, it’s safe to say,
TREASURE she’s the treasure.
Many a Lady Raider alum will tell you that When my daughter Emily was about six months
Marsha cared about their successes on the court old, we ran into Coach Sharp at Market Street. At
just as much as off. As testament, she can tell home later that night, my husband and I discussed
you where many of her players are today, what the day’s events, including my brief encounter with
industry they work in, and which sports their Marsha. I recapped my childhood memories of
children are playing. She was instrumental in Coach Sharp and expressed my admiration for her
guiding their athletic and professional lives. Coach dedication to Carillon and so many other worthy
Sharp felt Texas Tech could improve the off-court organizations. The next day, we went out and
development of its student-athletes so much that, in bought a goal and basketball for our 6-month old
1998, she gifted $100,000 as the lead donation in a prodigy. Emily doesn’t know it yet, but she’ll be a
campaign to build such a center. Lady Raider someday. At the very least, one of their
biggest fans. And no doubt, a Marsha Sharp fan,
In 2004, the Marsha Sharp Center for Student- too.
Athletes became a reality. It serves over 400
Lubbock Senior Link 27
