Jonathan Sherman Spradling (June 2, 1978 – October 12, 2001), a native New Mexican, graduated from Artesia High School. He was a good student, class and Student Council leader and President. He was the recipient of several prestigious awards. He played on two state championship Bulldog football teams. Throughout his life Jonathan loved education, music, art and to read and write.

Jonathan was just 23, at the time of his accident. At the University of New Mexico he was a senior studying English and history. His plans were to be a classroom teacher. Jonathan was a gifted young man, very close to his family, easy to smile, and always ready to lend a hand to someone in need. At UNM, he seemed to most enjoy his continued writings, and his literature, art, and history classes. His interests ranged from World War II to Buddhism to fine art to the finest cheap burrito. Happiness was a day trip, or better yet a camping trip in the Jemez Mountains or on the shores of Elephant Butte or a weekend of wonderful snowboarding in New Mexico’s beautiful mountains. Very sociable, Jonathan was drawn to politics and worked with his party for two years as a press secretary and campaign coordinator. Throughout his lifetime, Jonathan was involved with people and community service and he easily made many friends everywhere.

Jonathan was tragically, prematurely taken from us. His family and friends have the opportunity to continue his humanitarian efforts – education, the environment, homelessness, public broadcasting, and other social issues. These were of particular significance and work throughout Jonathan’s lifetime. Ultimately, through the New Mexico Organ Donor Services program, Jonathan gave his body. Significant organ donor legislation has been and continues to be enacted in his name. Jonathan was a proactive New Mexican who believed in and devoted himself to making the world around him a better place. You can learn more about Jonathan, his Memorial and all its work by logging on to its new website – www.jonathanshermanspradlingmemorial.org.

Even when memories fade as they miserably do, these scholarships are a tribute to an extraordinary life and a reminder – certainly to everyone lucky enough to come into contact with this one – that the best gifts come as sons, brothers or beautiful friends. When they take their leave we’re that much poorer for it, but that much richer for the legacy of that wonderful, short life.

For more information about how to apply for a Spradling scholarship, contact Denise Gonzales, NMCF Director of Community Philanthropy, at 505.820.6860 ext. 12 or dgonzales@nmcf.org.