Scott and Debra Prentice

Matthew Prentice Memorial Scholarship

Scott and Debra Prentice are donors to the Matthew Prentice Memorial Scholarship at Sacramento City College, which is in memory of their son, Matthew Prentice. Matt was born in Sacramento, California on June 11, 1986. He attended Crocker Riverside Elementary School, Cal Middle School and Christian Brothers High School. He was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15. Matt was a skilled outdoorsman who loved mountain biking and kayaking. Matt played soccer recreationally, and was on his high school football and wrestling teams. His extracurricular activities included starting and serving as president for the Christian Brothers chapter of the Junior Statesman of America Club. Matt was also crazy about cars and was a member of the high school Car Club.

When asked to describe himself in one word on his Christian Brother High school application, he wrote “I am compassionate. I feel this about myself because of the good reputation I have earned. I have lots of friends and don’t exclude people under any circumstance. I like to help people and make new friends.” This gift of compassion was useful when he provided community service hours at the Primrose Alzheimer’s Center. When making a brochure for his community service project there he stated, “If you make one of the individuals smile or laugh even knowing that they may not remember you when you when you return, one feels as if he has made a difference…”

Matt had an impact on everyone who came to know him. He was able to brighten even the gloomiest times with his warm smile and good sense of humor…or sometimes with just a hug. He had a gift for matchmaking and was good and loyal friends. Matt wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement and was accepted into the Criminal Justice Program at California State University Sacramento

On December 31, 2003, Matt died in a car accident but left behind a compassionate legacy. His family felt that he would want to encourage others to have faith in God, remind them to be kind to one another, help those in need, and be generous with love and hugs.