The motto of our 2016 I WILL WAIT FOR YOU: The Rick Salmastrelli Scholarship winner is:
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
We are proud and honored to award Matthew Stever with this year’s $1000 scholarship. A DECA member and future Montclair State University student, Matt has completed his high school career with a 3.5 GPA, AP courses, and years of community service with many organizations including the Lawrence Hamnett Association.
Not only has Matt been able to maintain a solid GPA and participate in varsity soccer and winter track and field, he has also had a job since 2015. We definitely selected a well-rounded individual for the 2016 scholarship, haven’t we?!
Matt Stever with Tina and Cristina Salmastrelli
Lawrence High Varsity Soccer Coach Keith Fithen summed Matt up perfectly when stating, “Heart can’t be measured in goals or assists, it can, however, be measured in the respect and admiration [Matt’s] teammates display to him.”
Self-described as “hardworking, persistent, driven, caring and courageous,” Matt Stever has a bright future ahead of him and we are proud to be a part of it. One of the best parts of moving on to college it the new batch of memories one will make, but in Matt’s case, I do not think they will be replacing those made with his friends, colleagues, and teachers during his tenure at Lawrence High School:
“My favorite [sports memory] would have to be during my senior night game for soccer. We played on Zimmer Field under the lights. I was not a regular starter for the team but because it was senior night, I got to start in the game. When the game started and I lined up, the student body started chanting my name. This is my favorite moment because it made me feel appreciated and happy.”
Thank you, Matt Stever, for becoming part of our journey at the I WILL WAIT FOR YOU: The Rick Salmastrelli Foundation. You sure have made an impression on us and, without a doubt, will continue for many years to come!
Good Luck this fall at Montclair State University!
Matt Stever with his proud parents