Larry Hurt Memorial Young Artists Fund

Mr. Hurt

As you may know, Larry Hurt, a graduate of the Ben Davis Class of 1970 and a Ben Davis High School teacher for 35 years, passed away this summer. As an alumnus and teacher, Larry’s impact was powerful and far-reaching. Not only did he innovate the biennial Wayne Township Arts Alive Festival, at which 5,000 community members celebrate arts within Wayne Township’s schools, he was also one of those amazing teachers unlike any other, as evidenced by being the only teacher to receive Wayne Township’s Seniors’ Choice Award every year for 25 years. Further, Larry was the 1999 Indiana State Teacher of the Year; a Disney American Teacher Award Honoree; recipient of the Indiana Governors' Arts Award; an inductee in the Ben Davis Alumni Hall of Fame; was honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash; was Indiana Art Educator of the Year in 1999; and in 2000 was the only teacher to speak at the White House for Hillary Clinton's conference on teenagers.

In memory of Larry Hurt’s numerous contributions to the education of Ben Davis students and his commitment to expanding arts opportunities and exposure in Wayne Township, Larry’s former students and the Ben Davis High School Art Department would like to pay tribute to Larry’s legacy by establishing an endowed fund designated to provide monies to expand, introduce, and engage Ben Davis students in new art opportunities that honor their talent and encourage their future art endeavors, including but not limited to art camps, artists-in-residence, unique art experiences, and other activities to help young artists.

To endow this fund (which means the fund will create rich experiences far into the future), we must raise at least $10,000. The fund will be called the Larry Hurt Memorial Young Artists Fund. As a friend, student, or colleague of Larry’s we invite you to make a memorial donation in his honor. Donations may be made online at Etapestry and note in the “Comments” section “Larry Hurt Memorial Young Artists Fund.” Or, make checks payable to the Wayne Township Education Foundation and mail to 1155 S. High School Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46241. Please note in the memo of your check “Larry Hurt Memorial Young Artists Fund.” On behalf of the students and staff in Wayne Township, we thank you for your support. It is a fitting tribute to Larry’s legacy that the arts programs he cared so much for will flourish and grow in his spirit.