Seniors select Huff as Snow King, contribute to Make-A-Wish
As the ten members of Southmoreland’s annual Snow Court stood on the polished gymnasium floor waiting for the winner to be revealed, there was a thunderous applause at the sound of Matthew Huff’s name. His red light saber went up in the air signaling victory.
“I was a little shocked and nervous when I heard my name being called in the gym,“ said Huff. “I would’ve never thought I’d be picked for something like that since it’s just not my type of thing.”
Tin cans decorated according to the personality of the candidate they represent were set up in the cafeteria for students to place money to vote for a candidate. Huff’s Star Wars theme can pulled in $212 that will go to the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia Incorporated.
“I can relate to this in a big way since I was a Make-A-Wish kid at one time,” said Huff. “It will help the kids have a break from their issues or problems that they have been dealing with in their life and just have fun.”
Other members of the court showed interest in making Huff “Snow King” by wanting to put the money that was in their own cans into Huff’s can instead.
“He’s an all around nice kid,” said fellow Snow Court member Michael Moresea. “I felt like there was no one better than Huff that deserved to win.”
Even though Huff’s reaction was memorable, the reactions of his fellow classmates was also one for the books.
“Seeing the reaction of the students for me was really exciting because I think it meant a lot for them, and that’s really what this event is all about,” said Mrs. Amy Brown, sponsor.
When the Court was first announced, Huff was not in school but heard the news from his friends over text message. Even though at first Huff “thought it was a joke,” he became excited about the nomination.
“I was very excited for him because I knew he could easily win,” said Snow Court member Thomas Pisula. “Whenever we hang out, I always have a blast with him, and we’re always cracking jokes. He has a great sense of humor which makes him such a fun guy to hang around.”
But there’s more to Huff than what meets the eye.
A couple hours after he was born, Huff was diagnosed with a type of congenital heart defect called Hypo plastic Left Heart Syndrome. This affects the blood flow through the heart due to the left side not forming correctly.
“For a kid in his situation, he’s very positive about his life,” said Pisula.
Huff appreciates the support his friends, like Pisula, have given him throughout this journey.
“It showed me how many people cared about what I’m going through,” said Huff. “Also it showed me that my friends will always be there for me whenever I’m going through tough times with my treatments.”
Bailey Geehring
"Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud"- Maya Angelou
Latest posts by Bailey Geehring (see all)
- Opioid crisis tears apart local family - May 22, 2017
- Primary center autistic support classroom practices transition skills with high school students - May 3, 2017
- Scotties to face Avonworth Saturday in first round of WPIAL playoffs - February 15, 2017
Excellent article!