Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship

Matt Schmidt was a 2008 graduate of Green Bay Southwest High School and attended UW Stout before coming back to live in Green Bay.

In his element, you could find Matt hanging out with friends and family, running, fishing, golfing, watching the Packers, picking on his younger siblings, hunting, boating, listening to music, grilling out juicy steaks and hanging out in Door County. Although those things were significant in his life, Matt had a true passion to serve the youth in the community through the organization, Young Life.

During his last two years, Matt’s work schedule made it difficult to participate as much as he would have liked, but he still found time to head to camp to be a counselor, participate in the annual Young Life Glow Run, and set up a curling event for the organization.

Everyone who had the pleasure to meet Matt during his short life knew he had a big heart. He was always there for anyone at any time and was quick to give them everything he had. He was one to always give, and never to take. Matt radiated kindness wherever he went, having the ability to step in and help in any situation. In his last few months, Matt took a leap of faith, quit his job and decided he wanted to share the love that he found in Jesus on a mission trip to the Appalachian Trail. Before the start of his adventure, a few days before he was supposed to leave, Matt passed away in a car accident. So, even though he wasn’t able to share his story in the way that was anticipated, his death enabled so many to not only be moved and impacted by the message he planned to share, but also by the person that he was. On top of that, as his final act of kindness here on Earth, Matt donated his organs so that six people could continue his legacy.

After Matt’s passing, #4MattSchmidt began to be used as a way for friends, family and the community to carry on his legacy, honor his selfless soul and to continue his chain of kindness.

The Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship is presented annually to a Young Life Student who exemplifies the legacy Matt left here on earth. The $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a high school senior with a 2.5 GPA or above going on to higher education.

Applications are available through Young Life Green Bay and due on February 28th.

Recipients

2024

Victoria Perez received the Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship during the 2024 Young Life Fashion show. She is pictured here with Young Life leader, Heather Faulkner. Victoria will be joining Youth With A Mission YWAM as a step of faith and training she wants to attain before full time college at NWTC.

2023

Victoria Belisle, a graduate of Bay Port High School is studying Psychology and Forensics.

2022

Mercedes Castro was awarded the 2022 Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship in a special presentation with Young Life mentors, leaders and Matt’s family. She is pictured here with Alyssa Myrie, Dee Ann Burkhard Karl Schmidt, Mercedes, Heather Faulkner, Andrew Schmidt, and Nikki Christiansen.

2021

The first annual Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship was awarded to Gabe Vasquez. Gabe is attending NWTC to get his associates in automotive technology.

Sponsors

Matt Schmidt Faith Foundation