The 2022 Matthew C. Graziadei Achievement Scholarship Award

The Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC) is proud to offer the Matthew C. Graziadei
Achievement Scholarship Award to a North Carolina high school senior with a disability. This award
includes a $1,500 scholarship, to be used for any post high school learning experience/training or for
equipment/technology needed for employment.

More information and the application form in English and Spanish

Eligibility:

ALL North Carolina students with disabilities are eligible for nomination.  Including students enrolled in the Occupation Course of Study, students who will be receiving a Graduate Certificate and students enrolled in the Future Ready Course of Study.

SELECTION CRITIERIA

Matthew Carmen Graziadei was a remarkable young man who died in January 1998 at the age of 26.  At the age of seven Matt was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.  He graduated from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC and was elected to Who’s Who in American High School Students.  Matt was a student intern at the Charlotte Mint Museum and served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association both locally and statewide.  He achieved President’s Honors at Central Piedmont Community College and served in Washington, DC with the US Surgeon General’s Council on Families and Disabilities.  Matt also started his own business and was a contractor in facilities, engineering and computer services.

Scholarship Award recipients will be selected by the Matthew C. Graziadei Scholarship Award Review Board based on these attributes:

• Determination -  reaching above one’s imagination
• Perseverance -  remaining steadfast against all odds
• Persistence -  starting from scratch and striving until successful
• Dedication -  maintaining solid effort and achievement
• Confidence             -  overcoming obstacles through internal courage
• Motivation -  seeing life as a series of opportunities, not obstacles
• Fortitude -  keeping going after others have stopped
• Accomplishment -  succeeding with on-going new vision

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will only be accepted through Wednesday, February 2, 2022.   The award will be presented to the winning student during his/her high school awards ceremony.  Based on applications received, additional students may be selected as Runner Up.