Allen opened the ceremony with some words about Manny and the effect that he had on campus, both as a person and as an athlete.
The garden is located on the west side of the Campus Recreation Center, leading toward the football stadium. A crowd of teammates, family members, students, staff and community members gathered prior to the start of the Tabor vs. Friends football game.
A special tribute was given by Manny’s roommate, Mario Nava. He shared a few words about his friend and teammate. “He was the type of person that was determined, outgoing, energetic, and most importantly a positive influence for many,” Nava said. Nava struggled with his emotions as he talked about Manny’s passion and goals, even once pausing before continuing his speech. He said Manny never let anyone else get him down, even when others doubted that he could really accomplish his goals of becoming a personal trainer or wanting to kick for the Dallas Cowboys.
“Many people know Marcus was the man with the smile,” Nava said. “I really do not know how he did it, but he always seemed to take a negative situation and find something positive within it.” Nava closed by saying that getting to know Manny was one of the greatest things in his life
Manny’s grandmother, Verda Grantham, was the one who had the original idea for the prayer garden. She also spoke at the dedication. “Our family is so grateful to the Tabor community for the influence it had in Marcus’ life,” she said. Grantham said it all started when Coach Gardner came to the Dallas area and recruited Manny to come play football at Tabor. She credits Tabor for having a positive impact on her grandson’s life. It was during a chapel service his senior year that Manny committed his life to God. The speaker that day used Skittles to illustrate that all things come from God. After the service, Manny hung a package of Skittles on his bulletin board and picture of the candy on his door as a reminder of what he had learned.
Grantham went on to say that she and the rest of the family was very grateful for everything that Tabor did for Marcus while he was there and for the family after his death. “And now, this Marcus Manny memorial Prayer Garden is a significant tribute to him and his life at Tabor,” she said.
She also said that she hopes the garden will be a place of beauty, rest, inspiration and prayer for the students at Tabor and that the garden will have a lasting impression. “We hope the verses will be something students keep in mind all day, like a song that sticks in your head,” Grantham said. She also added that because of its location, football players could reflect on their God-given talents before games.
Tabor President Jules Glanzer closed the ceremony with the prayer of dedication. As people departed to watch the football game, a basket full of Skittles was set out for people to take as a reminder of the day and of how God had worked in Manny’s life.
“The prayer garden will do so much for people,” said Grantham after the ceremony. “Maybe they will dedicate their lives to God.” She pointed out that although there is another garden on campus, this is the only one with prayer in its name.
“Tabor had an influence on Marcus, but Marcus definitely had an impact on Tabor,” Grantham said.
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