2023
Matthew is a three-time Rockin’ Recipient and this year’s recipient of the Ruby’s Rainbow Fitzgerald Family Scholarship Award. He is a junior this year in the TAP program at the University of Cincinnati, where he is studying both fashion and public speaking. After he graduates, Matthew would like to live in his own apartment and intern at Disney World’s EPCOT theme park, which is where his parents met.
Matthew enjoys swimming and playing golf, rugby and football. This past summer he held two jobs, first at a cafe at his local library and then at a beach concession stand. Matthew says, “I love helping people and animals.” This fall he is looking forward to mentoring incoming freshmen at UC, in part “to change people’s minds about people with Down syndrome.” He also plans to volunteer with 4 Paws for Ability, a group on campus that trains service dogs by bringing them to classes.
Matthew says people tell him he is joyful and positive. “My little brother says I’m the most compassionate person he knows. My sister says I give the most intelligent advice.”
We see all of these wonderful qualities in you, Matthew! We can’t wait to see you keep on rockin’ it in your junior year!