Hill Ray Feature Story

"Before, it was like Hell always looking over my shoulder, but now it is like Heaven with no worries." Matt Summers is an awesome person with an interesting story. He was born in Greenville, Mississippi and lived down town with his little sister and his mother. His parents divorced when he was young and he raised his little sister from the day she was born. Due to parent issues, Matt had to take care of his sister and work hard in school to get a scholarship to pay for his college. He went to Greenville High School, which is full of gangs and violence. He also was a real good football player for his school, but did not get the recognition he deserved because his team was not very good. Matt knew that was not the life he wanted to continue to have so he decided to make a change.

Matt became real interested in going to the private school, Washington Academy, because he knew the school was well known for its academics all over the state. On top of that they had a real good football team that had just won state the year before. There was only one problem; Matt 's parents did not have the money to pay for a private school.  Disappointed, yet determined, Matt was willing to do whatever it took to get the opportunity to go to Washington Academy for his senior year. He talked to his father and they came to an agreement. Matt was to work on his dad's farm for the summer and if he worked long and hard enough, then he will earn his way into Washington Academy. He knew it was going to be a tough summer, but he also thought of his future and how he could benefit from this opportunity. Summers knew this would help him, but he really did not know what to expect.

Summer began and Matt's journey to a new life began also. A rough summer it was for Summers, as he would work as early as five in the morning until dark. There was no time for fun. Only time to shower, eat, and sleep. He worked hard all summer baling hay, plowing rows, and other hard labor all day long. It was a hot and miserable summer for Matt, but it would all be worth it in the end. Matt's father kept his end of the bargain, and on August 8th, 2009, Matt Summers was on his way to Washington Academy for his first day of school. His life would never be the same.

School began and so did football practice, with a big game coming up to open the season. It was a change for Summers, coming from an all black public school to an all white private school; but right off the bat, he became friends with everyone. He met a lot of guys on his football team, that later became some of his very close friends. The toughness of the classes and the discipline from the teachers was something that Summers was not used to, but he quickly learned the ropes. He began doing very well in class and also in football. Washington's football team was 9-3 and was getting ready to defend there title at the state championship once again. Many of his new friends began to learn about Matt's family issues and many families began to have him over for meals and even to stay the night. Everyone loved him and presented themselves with open arms.

The sound of the buzzer went off, as The Washington Generals had one their second state championship in a row. Summers was overwhelmed with excitement, as the team piled up at mid-field. "It was my high school dream come true. It was hard to react because I never thought anything like that would ever happen to me," Summers said about the game. Later he was selected as an all star and signed with Hinds Community College to play defensive line. He made so many friends throughout his senior year and graduated at the top of his class. Summers also enjoyed playing other sports for Washington, like basketball, track, and soccer. He left Washington Academy with many of friends and a new family. He is a great guy with a big heart and not only did he change his life, but everyone else around him too.