In 2026, Kennedy Victoria Chandler was selected as the recipient of the Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship.
A graduate of De Pere High School, Kennedy will attend Morgan State University, where she plans to study biology and pursue her dream of becoming a dentist.
Kennedy has overcome so much in her young life to reach graduation, making this scholarship especially meaningful. When she learned she had been selected, she was surprised and incredibly excited, and there were a few tears of joy shared along the way.
The scholarship is presented annually to a Young Life student who exemplifies the kindness, generosity and selflessness that defined Matt Schmidt.
Matt, a 2008 graduate of Green Bay Southwest High School, had a passion for serving young people through Young Life. He was known for his enormous heart, always willing to give of himself and help others. After his passing in a car accident, his family, friends and community embraced #4MattSchmidt as a way to continue his legacy and his chain of kindness.
Today, Kennedy is one more young person whose future is being touched by Matt’s remarkable legacy.
Her graduation photos, surrounded by the Young Life leaders who supported and encouraged her, are a beautiful reminder that Matt’s kindness continues to make a difference.
