Senior Speech

Mattheu’s Story

Mattheu Errick Thomas was born on March 21, 2001 in Florida to his proud parents Sadra and Derrick Thomas. He lived in the Bahamas for the first five years of his life. Mattheu was brought up in a Christian home and at an early age came to faith in Christ. He was baptized in Jamaica by his uncle.  In 2005, the Thomases Relocated to Maryland. Mattheu attended Capitol Christian Academy in Upper Marlboro, Annapolis Area Christian School and Solley Elementary before starting the 2nd grade at the Boys’ Latin School of Maryland where his father is currently employed.

He was actively engaged in life at school, home, church and work.  Mattheu worked at Chick Fil-A for more than a year while balancing his schoolwork and  his social life. He was a member of the School’s Jazz Ensemble where he played the saxophone.  In addition, he was an active member of the Diversity Coexistence Club and a linebacker on the Varsity Football team, proudly wearing  #70. In the summer of his junior year, Mattheu embarked on a trip to Spain in the Linguistic Immersion Program Pueblo Ingles, Diverbo where he volunteered as a native English speaker. Mattheu enjoyed this trip immensely and formed lasting friendship and relationships.

Mattheu was a dependable, loving, kind, thoughtful, and independent young man. He  demonstrated humility, courage and resilience. Mattheu’s life was marked by unselfishness, joy and love, a reflection of his faith.

In November 2017, after experiencing pain in right leg, Mattheu was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. His fierce battle with cancer was a very challenging one for all who knew him. Mattheu was very courageous as he endured many surgeries, chemotherapy sessions and radiation therapy sessions. Medical treatment proved unsuccessful and as the fight continued, the family embarked on a course of naturopathic treatment in Florida. Mattheu  returned to Maryland and to Johns Hopkins Hospital on January 9th. Mattheu had the opportunity to visit his school and home one last time before his health deteriorated. On January 23, 2019 Mattheu became cancer-free, and pain-free forever. Surrounded by his closest friends and loved ones saying, “I love you, Matt”, he entered the arms of a loving God!

He leaves many behind to cherish his memories, including his mother, Sadra, his father, Derrick, his brother Theodore, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends,  church family, hospital family and especially his beloved Boys’ Latin family. Mattheu has left quite a legacy for us in his 17 years 10 months 2 days 6 hours on earth. He fought a good fight. His courage touched and strengthened  everyone, even those who never met him. We all miss you, Mattheu. Love you always! #MightyMattheu’19 #cancer-Free#

Pain-Free #Hospital-free #WalkingAgainAllOverGod’sHeaven

Service of Thanksgiving held February 2nd, 2019 in the Gerston Athletic Centre at the Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

Football senior day at the Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

Congratulations to Mattheu for receiving the “Done most for Boys’ Latin award”, voted unanimously by the class of 2019.

Matt also received the Senior Speech Award for his speech on October 26th, 2018 to over 350 people in the students commons at Boys’ Latin School of Maryland. Please see speech here


Matt’s last visit to Boys’ Latin on January 15th, 2019.
What outpouring of love!!
Video created by Winston.

Matt entering Fresh Start Church after surgery
Matt at BL after his knee replacement

A moment of silence..

J. Elwood Peter Memorial Award

This award was established by Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Peter to be presented to that member of the senior class who, in their opinion of his classmates, possess the characteristics of heart, mind and conductthat manifest a spirit of love for and helpfulness to his fellow men as were exemplified by their son, J. Elwood Harrison Peter ’34.

Presentation of Diploma