Matthew Riccardi Memorial Community Service Award

Matthew Riccardi was so much more than just any other kid. He was brilliant and witty, and he could light up a room with his contagious smile. He was a natural-born leader and used his skills to the best of his abilities. Matthew’s high school teachers often called him one of the smartest to ever go through the school district. He graduated near the top of his class and was accepted into the ultra-competitive University of Chicago. Once enrolled in college Matthew continued to thrive, double majoring in Mathematics and Economics, which are said to be among the hardest programs at the school. Matthew maintained a 3.9 GPA while enrolled in college until his tragic passing.

Matthew won many academic accolades during his tenure in high school, but he was always most proud of the “Thanks For Being You Award” that he won four years straight. Thanks For Being You is an award for which teachers nominate students with exceptional personality and leadership characteristics, qualities that make the Mountain Lakes school district so special.

However, Matthew was more proud of his community-service involvement. As an extremely active member of the Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department, Matthew mentored the next generation of firefighters. He spent countless hours training himself and others to protect the town of Mountain Lakes. A few of the members he trained, himself included, have gone on to join the Senior Department to continue the service Matthew inspired.

Matthew was also involved in student government all four years of high school, working to make Mountain Lakes High School a more enjoyable environment for everyone in it. He strived to ensure that every student’s voice was heard and could often be seen canvasing the hallways and lunch tables asking students for their ideas. In Matthew’s senior year of high school, he was voted student body president by his peers. 

In honor of all of the accomplishments, Matthew achieved in his, far too short, 19 years, the Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce the foundation of the Matthew Riccardi Memorial Community Service Award. This will be an annual award presented to a senior who exemplifies the dedication, service, and academic excellence that Matthew demonstrated. The goal of this award is to reward those students who have profoundly impacted their community for the better. Please consider donating to this amazing cause to help us preserve the memory of the wonderful man that Matthew was. Checks can also be made payable to the “Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department” at 400 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046. Please write in the Memo section of the check “Matthew Riccardi”. Chief and Administrative officer Joseph Mullaney will be responsible for withdrawling the funds and maintaining the account for the fire department.