Mathew Strachan – Shepherds College (Benjamin Strickland Scholarship Award)

Mathew is set to begin his second year at Shepherds College, where he is majoring in horticulture. He also takes classes in improving his skills with money, computers and daily life.

Mathew played percussion in his high school marching band for three years and was the team mascot for the boys’ lacrosse team. He has a passion for theatre and also for fitness, and has won gold, silver and bronze medals in Special Olympics for skiing, bowling and basketball.

Mathew has been a volunteer coach with Challenger Baseball, and wrote in his scholarship application that “I hold hands to walk the bases with my friend Axel and push my friend Hunter in her wheelchair. I cheer on my friend Hayley to not be scared to play. I did a cartwheel every time I run to home plate!” The world needs more positive, compassionate spirits like yours, Mathew! Keep on rockin’ it at Shepherds!