Matthew graduated from Joseph’s Academy May 15, 2016 with honors.  After delivering the valedictorian, Matthew received his diploma and award certificates in Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus; Language Arts; Music Composition; Academic Excellence for a 98.37 GPA; and a distinguished service award for his contributions to the community with disabilities.  It was truly one of the most beautiful days of celebrating with Matthew, friends, doctors, and family.  Matthew plans to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree, and has finished his first book, Awake Not the Hungry, a 140 page compilation of his writing for the past six years.  Eighteen years ago we never could have guessed the quotes below  would pertain to our son and his graduation address, and it is with tear filled eyes we share them with you.

High School Graduation Address

Quotes:

“What a wonderful graduation day you had – you performed all your parts perfectly!!   You’ve done so well Matthew, with huge mountains to climb.  Keep going, you are still a most precious gift.”  D. B.

“What a wonderful time we all had for Matthew’s graduation; it was so incredibly special….I read Matthew’s graduation speech to my husband Sunday night – afterward we sat in silent pondering and then tear filled eyes!”  Dr. K.S.

“What a truly amazing son you have!  You should be extremely proud of him which I am sure you are.  Despite his disabilities, he has truly become an outstandingly bright, articulate and sensitive young man.  I am proud to have played a small part in helping to maintain his health and nurture a spirit that has so much insight and persistence that has resulted in this outstanding human being.  Knowing his accomplishments, I am certain this will not be the end to his educational journey and thanks to his loving parents, he will succeed at whatever he sets his mind to do!”  Dr. J.H.

“I was very moved by Matthew’s writing. He is a tremendous writer and also very spiritual and bright. I hope it is okay to share these with my friends and staff.  You have a special son, a gem with high intelligence but we know that this runs in the family.  Please let Matthew know that I have the deepest respect for him and am convinced that God brought him in this world for a special purpose and mission. He is an inspiration to us all.”        Dr. J.C.

“We really enjoyed Matthews Graduation and Party.  You have such amazing friends. You could see the love all of the guests have for your family. It was really an honor to be invited to this wonderful celebration.”  S. C.

“I am completely undone. That is the best way to say it: I am undone! In all my years of going to church, I have never heard anything like this.  In everything he sees God!  From his illness and experiences with people to each course of study…English, mathematics, science, music and history…he sees God.  His valedictorian address took me into the presence of God.”  M.M.

“We were blown away by all that was said.  WOW!  It would be easy to be intimidated to never open your mouth to speak after that.” J. Mc.

“Matthew, you have done an incredible job with your speech.  I read it to my wife while she was driving home from graduation.  Several times I had to stop.  Your thoughts were brilliant. You have an inspiring genius mind, like Stephen Hawking.  Perhaps you are the next Stephen Hawking.  You are rightfully valedictorian!” Dr. M.P.

“Matthew’s speech is an incredible work of art, allegory and metaphor. Few in this shallow world of today have this depth of thought. With so many distractions, literacy of this degree is a fading art.  I can tell that you are very proud of Matthew’s efforts and abilities. There are few like him.” D.B.