by Mrs. Roxanna DePeña-Elder, Executive Director,
The De La Salle School – Freeport NY
With graduation just a few months away, Matthew Mora, an 8th grader at The De La Salle School in Freeport NY (TDLSS), is one of the many students who have had incredible transformations during their time at the school. Matthew was born to immigrant parents who came to the United States with the dream of a better future for themselves and for their children. Since Matthew’s father attended a Lasallian school in Ecuador, his parents knew what to expect from a Lasallian school—respect, responsibility, leadership, and service—and wanted that same kind of education for Matthew. When TDLSS was recommended to Matthew’s mother she quickly enrolled him into 5th grade. Support from the Saint John Baptist de La Salle Fund helps to allow the school to maintain their non-tuition-driven approach for all of their students.
Describing his 5th grade self, Matthew admitted, “I was a lot to deal with.” Having spent the previous year and a half taking his school classes online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the adjustment to in-person classes at this new, more disciplined school was challenging. However, Matthew soon realized that he needed to change. As he grew into the De La Salle School family, and with high school right around the corner, people were looking to him to be a role model.
Now, when asked to describe himself, Matthew replied, “I am calmer, smarter, and more respectful. And, my grades have improved, going from being a mid-80’s student to now being a mid-90’s student.” Matthew’s mother said that his transformation has been incredible and is evident in his overall maturity. His academic and behavioral improvements landed him a seat at his dream school next year—Chaminade High School, a prestigious, all-boys Catholic high school on Long Island. Matthew says that after high school, he dreams of having a good and successful life, where he can take care of himself and his family.
