Matthew Holcombe, a sophomore on the Marcus High School Varsity Baseball Team and 16U Select Team-Team Leader was recently selected by All-Star Third Baseman David Wright of the New York Mets to be this past month’s winner of The M Foundation’s Silver M Award.
Launched in September 2010, The M Foundation is a non-profit organization that inspires young athletes to perform their best – both on and off the field.
Holcombe helped deliver 295 meals and Christmas cards and 250 blankets that were distributed to Select Team’s clients. He has spent the last two years supporting Toys for Tots and collected 1,000 toys and $4,000 during this year’s event. In addition, Holcombe’s Select Team has performed 883 hours of community and received The President’s Volunteer Service Award.
“Giving back to the community through service and volunteerism is an important aspect in my life,” said Holcombe. “I am very blessed and want to be able to give back to those individuals who are less fortunate than myself.”
At the core of the foundation’s efforts is the M Awards, a national scholarship program which identifies and recognizes high school athletes who are exemplary role models in their communities. The program is administered in part through a partnership with beRecruited.com, the nation’s leading community of high school athletes.
Each month, one high school athlete in America is selected by one of the foundation’s elite professional athletes to receive a Silver M Award, which includes a $1,000 college scholarship as well as a $1,000 donation to the local charity of the student athlete’s choice. This May, the foundation will announce the first national Gold M Award winner who will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and a $10,000 donation to a charity of their choice.
“It is an honor and privilege to work with athletes such as David Wright, Serena Williams, Mia Hamm, and Dwayne Wade, to identify and recognize young ‘Athletes of a Mission’ – high school student athletes who are exemplary role models in their communities,” said Cathy Cercena, Executive Director of the M Foundation. “We’re thrilled to name Matthew Holcombe of Marcus High School the winner of last month’s Silver M Award.”
Holcombe adds, “Being a student-athlete provides me a unique opportunity to help achieve my long-term educational goals of being a high school teacher through my love of baseball and physical fitness. I have found that being strong in both pursuits – academics and athletics – has made me a more balanced and well-rounded individual.”
Students can apply for The M Award scholarships at www.beRecruited.com, the nation’s leading community of high school athletes. For information on how to support this cause or get involved visit www.theMFoundation.org.
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