Congratulations to Matheus!

Matheus Silva, a senior at Valley Regional and resident of The Lofts in Centerbrook, recently received an acceptance letter from Harvard University. Not only will he be a member of the Crimson Class of 2027, Matheus will also be the beneficiary of a full scholarship.

Matheus was born in the United States, but when he was 9 years old, his parents and two brothers returned to Brazil to reunite with family. Economic and educational opportunities brought the family back to the United States in 2021. A three month stay with relatives in Old Saybrook and a frantic search for housing was followed by the joyous news that the Silva family had been accepted to reside in an apartment at The Lofts at Spencer’s Corner. Without affordable housing, the Silvas were not sure they could stay in the Shoreline area. Says Matheus of the opportunity to live at The Lofts, “my Mom thanks God every day for the blessings her family received when we moved into this beautiful complex.”

Matheus is the Salutatorian of his graduating class and takes great pride in being given the opportunity to speak at Commencement and thank the Valley Community for welcoming and supporting him in his high school pursuits. His brothers have also been the recipients of the school district’s warm and nurturing environment.

Young Mr. Silva will soon be traveling to Florida as part of the Bill Gates Scholarship Program. He will meet with other Gates’ winners for a symposium designed to help build a core of committed young people with exceptional leadership skills. His Gates scholarship will cover any college costs that are not part of his scholarship from Harvard.

Matheus graduates as an accomplished member of the International Baccalaureate Program at Valley Regional High School. As he says, “I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities offered to me and my family. HOPE Partnership will always be regarded as a life affirming organization by my family.”