Mateo is a dedicated student, athlete, and community servant who is passionate about addressing food and resource insecurity. Throughout high school, he devoted more than 50 hours of service to the Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, working to support individuals and families facing challenges in accessing essential resources. Through this experience, Mateo gained a firsthand understanding of the growing impact of food insecurity and the barriers many communities face in meeting basic needs. He believes that access to food and essential resources is a fundamental human right and is committed to helping create solutions that promote dignity, equity, and well-being for all.
His time volunteering at the food bank deepened his awareness of these issues and strengthened his desire to serve others. Witnessing the needs within his community inspired him to become a stronger advocate for those facing hardship and reinforced his belief that meaningful change begins with compassion and action.
In addition to his service work, Mateo was a member of his high school’s boys swimming and diving team, where he distinguished himself as one of the program’s top athletes, earning a sixth-place finish in his division. As a team captain, he developed valuable leadership skills and learned the importance of trust, perseverance, and courage. These experiences taught him how to motivate others, work toward shared goals, and lead through both challenges and successes.
Mateo believes that the same qualities that strengthen a team also strengthen a community. By fostering trust, demonstrating resilience, and encouraging others to step forward with confidence, he hopes to contribute to communities that are supportive, inclusive, and united in addressing important social issues.