For Matthew Leach, the highlight of each day was waiting for the school bus to take him to see his friends and teachers. His mother, Jodee Leach, called school the highlight of his day. Matthew, known for his quirky personality and collection of over 9,000 toy cars, was an active part of the special education and Unified programs at North Star High School. Despite his challenges, his presence brought people together, showing the impact of inclusion and kindness on the school’s entire community.
Leach, a 2022 graduate, sadly passed away in July of 2023. Yet his legacy lives on in the form of the LNS Matthew Leach Unified Scholarship Fund. Nichole McCoy, Matthew’s Unified track coach, and Holly Gonser, Matthew’s Life Skills teacher, worked quickly to establish a scholarship. With the help of his mother, family, friends, and the Foundation, the scholarship was created and funded just in time to be awarded during the 23-24 school year.
Kaitlyn Cornett, Matthew's Unified track partner, was the very first recipient of the LNS Matthew Leach Unified Scholarship. The Unified program brings together students with intellectual disabilities or those who need additional support alongside general education students, creating opportunities for everyone while fostering acceptance and empathy through athletics.
“These opportunities we’ve given students have not just made them better, but our school better, and our teachers and administrators better,” said McCoy. “People are afraid of what they don’t know, even the adults, but now they’re all becoming more accepting.”
The program has been met with great success, creating new friendships and increased opportunities. “The connections made here aren’t just for school,” said Kaitlyn. “They’re my friends, and I see them and talk to them outside of school because I want to, and that’s what friends do.”
It was only fitting that Kaitlyn was the first recipient of Matthew’s scholarship, given her close bond with him and her dedication to supporting him on and off the track. Their time together not only strengthened their friendship but also solidified Kaitlyn’s passion for working with students with special needs, inspiring her to pursue a degree in special education in college. Seeing that the scholarship’s criteria call for participation in three or more Unified classes and pursuing a degree in special education, she checked all the boxes.
“He made such a positive impact on my life,” said Kaitlyn. “It’s an honor to be the first person to receive his scholarship, and I will tell everybody about it!”
Kaitlyn’s words are a testament to Matthew's impact on her and everyone around him. Through the LNS Matthew Leach Unified Scholarship, his influence will continue to be felt for years. The scholarship honors Matthew’s love for the Unified program and emphasizes the importance of acceptance and inclusion within a school’s community. As the program grows, so does Matthew’s legacy, inspiring others to foster a culture of empathy and kindness for the future.
