Schaumburg High School grad named Youth Volunteer of the Year

Schaumburg High School Class of 2020 graduate Matthew Williams has been named the village of Schaumburg's Volunteer of the Year in the Youth category. Williams was selected out of a dozen finalists for this year's award.

In his nomination, Schaumburg High School Counselor Brent Swolsky described Williams as someone who thrives on serving others.

"His record of volunteerism and service is, in my experience, unmatched by any other student I have worked with in my 16 years career as a counselor," Swolsky said in his nomination. "His passion for service and his dedication to the ideals of social justice, are a reflection of Matthew's strong moral compass, and will benefit him as he pursues his career interests and life goals."

Williams said his drive to volunteer is based on experiences in his early life.

"When I was born premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy and told I would never walk, my parents turned to Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley," Williams said. "At the age of 2, after countless and demanding hours of therapy, I finally took my first steps. Much of my successes toward achieving independence can be attributed to the hard work of the professionals at Easter Seals - a priceless gift I felt a responsibility to pass on. I attempt to do so through service."

Williams' list of volunteer positions include Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley Ambassador, student adviser trustee at the Schaumburg Township Library District, chairman of the Illinois Little League District 13 Challenger (Special Needs Division) Jamboree Committee, and multiple positions with Our Savior's United Methodist Church.

Williams said he was stunned when Assistant Principal Michele Napier contacted him to inform him of his selection.

"It was quite a humbling moment," Williams said. "There are so many wonderful people who do so many awesome things in the Schaumburg community. It is a privilege to give back any way I can."

As one of Schaumburg High School's newest graduates, Williams is planning to spend the summer participating in the Bank of America Student Leaders Program before attending Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he will be majoring in accounting.