Matthew is a proud native of Uniontown, PA, located southeast of Pittsburgh. Growing up with a large, supportive family, Matthew learned the value of hard work and gained valuable lessons through their time together.
He is a 2025 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School, where he was active in school clubs and deeply involved in his church community. In the fall, he will attend West Virginia University to major in Engineering, with plans to focus on mechanical engineering. He’s eager to apply forward-thinking solutions to real-world problems and looks forward to staying engaged through community service, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial efforts. He aims to one day launch his own engineering business.
Beyond his academic goals, Matthew is driven by a love of learning and new experiences. He enjoys running, woodworking, playing guitar, exploring the outdoors and he is always seeking fresh adventures.
He is deeply honored to be named a scholarship recipient and eager to embark on his journey toward a future in engineering and entrepreneurship. With determination and purpose, he looks forward to contributing meaningfully to his religious community, where he’ll remain actively involved. As he steps into his future at WVU and beyond, Matthew carries with him his Slovak roots and the inspiration to build, learn, and serve in ways that honor his heritage.
Matt is a recent winner of an FCSU Scholarship and received Top Male designation. Below is his winning essay:
I have worked relentlessly to excel in academics, athletics, and leadership. My aspirations to become a mechanical engineer are rooted in my commitment to education, personal growth, and my Slovak heritage. Receiving a Slovak scholarship would help me achieve my goals while honoring my cultural background.
I have participated in many school activities that have shaped my character and skills. As a member of the gifted program, I have engaged in enrichment activities that enhanced my knowledge and problem-solving abilities. I am Vice President of the National Honor Society, which has strengthened my leadership skills, and I have been a part of Student Forum since 2023, working with peers to improve education. Beyond academics, I am dedicated to cross-country and track, earning varsity letters for all four years. I have become the top distance runner on our team and broke our 800-meter school record twice. My leadership roles have also helped me develop communication skills through discussions with college coaches. Balancing academics and athletics has prepared me to tackle future challenges.
I developed leadership skills through sports, serving as team captain in cross country and track. Being a leader requires setting an example, holding the team accountable, and ensuring consistency. Leadership is about learning from setbacks and striving for improvement. Balancing academic excellence while dedicating time to running, conditioning, and health has been challenging, but it has taught me discipline, consistency, and teamwork.
When it comes to my religion, my faith is everything. I base my life around Christ, and the Catholic church has been instrumental in shaping my values. Within the church, I am an active member of the Youth Organization. This organization has given me the opportunity to get involved with the community in many ways. For instance, I work at our annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the under-served, and I participate in food drives, help with holiday parties, and volunteer at the annual church picnic. I have also grown spiritually by attending weekly mass and learning from weekly bible studies within the Young Organization. I enjoy it so much that I also created a bible study with my school friends. It has been rewarding to see others share in the same faith. Church has made me a more generous, thoughtful, and spiritual person. It gives me my purpose and lays the foundation of my life.
My Slovak heritage has been woven into my family and traditions. Growing up around my Slovak grandmother, I have learned how to cook many traditional holiday foods and incorporate food into fellowship and family gatherings. My grandmother is the reason we have continued her Slovak traditions, involving Christian values, and creating family connections. Growing up this way keeps me grounded, and these traditions will be carried on in my life, especially when I start my own family. My Slovak heritage will continue to influence my life and the lives of many to come in our family tree.
All of my experiences in school, sports, and faith have shaped who I am today. My Slovak heritage has instilled in me the values of hard work, family, and tradition. As I enter college and pursue a career in mechanical engineering, I will carry these values with me. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It honors my Slovak roots, the values passed down through generations, and the opportunity to preserve and share my heritage as I work toward my future.