Jake Matthews
High Point University
A sophomore at High Point University, Jake has been working as the Assistant Director of Pantry Services at West End Ministries for two years and as the Director of Volunteer Services since August. While at West End, he has helped implement a new client choice pantry system. The client choice pantry system is a process in which those who utilize the pantry services get to decide which food they receive rather than being told what they need. This system gives the people of the West End community power in a situation in which they may feel powerless. While dedicating between 10-15 hours per week at West End, Jake has been able to maintain good grades and continue expanding his role in the HPU community.
Personal Statement
Growing up in rural Western North Carolina, the concept of volunteering and community service has been a prevalent part of my life. Throughout my time as a public-school student, I participated in service oriented organizations such as National Honor Society, Interact, the student government association, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I decided to continue my service at High Point University where the Bonner Leader Program has helped me garner a better understanding of the importance of service and servant leadership. Through the Bonner Leader Program, I am directly working towards alleviating food insecurity at West End Ministries, a local nonprofit food pantry. Outside of Bonner, I am an active member in the High Point University community, and the greater High Point community. On campus, I hold leadership positions in the university’s College Republicans chapter and the High Point University Panthers for Israel chapter. I am also a peer mentor for incoming first year students, a Leadership Fellow, and a member of the Service Learning Committee where I and one other student serve alongside faculty in the department as they review proposed service learning courses. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, attending church at Mercy Hill, and parenting my new puppy Reagan!
