Brentwood Press - Index

Brentwood Press - DiscoveryBayPress_05.16.08 - Index

MAY 16, 2008 EDUCATION THEPRESS.NET | 9A
Liberty valedictorian sets exotic goals
Proud member of AHAA
by Ruth Roberts
Staff Writer
On a Friday afternoon at Starbucks, 17-year-old Matthew
Breneman showed up for his Press interview sporting
a UCLA T-shirt and a grin. It was tempting to assume that
the Liberty High School valedictorian was advertising his
college of choice, but he quickly dispelled the notion that
he’s Bruin-bound.
“No, I just wear this to throw people off,” he laughed.
“I’m actually going to Berkeley.”
With a 4.26 GPA and an armful of scholarships, Matthew
is a cornucopia of contrasts. He describes himself as
shy and somewhat reserved, but his public persona reveals
a conversational, thoughtful and humorous young man.
What’s more, he rides a unicycle with considerable skill, is
a member of the Liberty High Marching Band, has a soft
spot for Jane Eyre, and a girlfriend named Jamie.
He also sports an impressive list of clubs and organizations,
which include the California Scholarship Federation
(CSF), the National Honor Society (NHS), Liberty High
Honor Roll (all four years), captain of the Academic Decathlon
and president of the math club.
And then there’s his other list – the bucket list. “I’d like
to someday become a master diver, and I’d like to be a pastry
chef,” he said. “There are things I would like to do just to do
them; just for fun.”
However, before he jets off to the patisseries of France
or dives into the depths of the ocean, Matthew will fi rst pour
his energies into a degree in engineering and possibly computer
science. And while he’s uncertain what kind of career
his Berkeley diploma will bring, he’s fairly confi dent it will
be a lucrative one.
“I plan on being very rich at a very young age,” said
When was the last time you
had your hearing tested?
Bring this ad in for a FREE* hearing screening.
*must be 16 years old or older.
925-778-3298
Call for an Appointment Today!
4045 Lone Tree Way Ste. D • Antioch
Mary Jane Garnett, Au.D.
Tsehay “Sunny” Mebrahtu, M.A., CCC-A
Better Hearing for Better Living
Photo courtesy of John Breneman
Liberty High 2008 Valedictorian Matthew Breneman
will be heading to UC Berkeley in the fall.
Matthew. “And I plan to retire young and buy an island
somewhere.”
Growing up in Brentwood, the younger of two siblings
learned early on about self-discipline and the importance of
education. He vividly recalled when his brother was named
Liberty’s salutatorian in 2002. “My brother and I drove
home alone from graduation, and I remember him holding
up his award and saying, ‘See this paper? Well, it had better
say Valedictorian when you graduate.’ I was in middle
WE HAVE MOVED!
HEARING
SERVICES
OF ANTIOCH
school at the time and I thought, ‘Yeah, I can do that.’”
But he’s quick to say that he didn’t do it alone. His
parents, John and Pearlina, paid a huge role in Matthew’s
success, helping him to stay focused while always remaining
devoted and supportive. In return, he has tried to be a good
son. “I’ve been a good son, I think. I am a very good boy,”
he said. “I never got into trouble. I think, I hope, I have made
them (parents) proud.”
While Matthew was accepted at a number of top-notch
schools, including UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Santa
Barbara and UCLA, he felt that Berkeley, with its academic
reputation and unique social conscience, might offer him the
best opportunities – despite the weather.
“I’m not sure how I’m going to do with the fog,” he
said. “I like the sun and I fi nd that I’m very affected by the
weather. But I’m looking forward to developing myself, fi nding
out more about who I am. I have no idea what Berkeley
will be like, but I know it will be diverse. There are lots of
adventures awaiting me, I’m sure.”
But before then, there is the little matter of a valedictorian
speech.
“I’m very grateful for this honor, I know that it doesn’t
happen to very many people, and I’m humbled by it … I’m
still thinking about my speech and what that will be about,
but one of my teachers told me that ‘valedictorian’ means
‘farewell,’ so I’m guessing my speech will have something to
do with that.”
And on a personal note, will there be some diffi cult
goodbyes?
“Well, I’m defi nitely going to miss my friends and my
family. I’ve enjoyed high school, but I feel like I’m ready to
go,” he said. “I’m not stressing too much; I’m a pretty lowkey
person. Whatever happens in the future will happen, but
I’m looking forward to it all. It will be nice on my island.”
To comment on this story, visit www.thepress.net.
“Let Me Make Your Feet Happy!”
James M. Greer, DPM, FACFAS
Certified American Board of Podiatric Surgery
✦ Sports Injuries
✦ Diabetic Footcare
✦ Heel Pain
✦ Corrective Foot Surgery
✦ Emergencies
(925) 516-1551
350 John Muir Pkwy, Ste. 225 • Brentwood
Workers Compensation/Most Insurances Accepted – Medicare
Open: Mon – Fri. • 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday Appointments Available
Se Habla Español