SJS Alumni Spotlight – Matthew Keith Barnes

SJS Alumnus 2006-2017 

Matthew Barnes was born and raised in Elizabethtown, Ky., and attended SJS from 2006 to 2017. He is currently a senior at Elizabethtown High School (EHS), and in the fall, he will attend the University of Notre Dame, studying biochemistry.

“My education at SJS helped me succeed by instilling in me a sound work ethic and a solid spiritual foundation. The high expectations I encountered at SJS have stayed with me throughout high school,” said Matthew. “ I also developed my desire to give back to my community and help others while at SJS.”

Matthew is on the varsity swim and tennis team at EHS, and also swims competitively for the E-Town Dolphins Swim Team. He is vice-president of the Beta Club, and a member of the Y-Club, Hardin County Youth Leadership, Youth Salute, Health Careers Explorers Program, EHS Representative to the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program, The National Society of High School Scholars, The Congress of Future Medical Leaders and the National Youth Leadership Forum. He is also an Eagle Scout with St. James Troop #303. 

He is involved in community service through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Feeding America, Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen, The Salvation Army, The Lion’s Club, The Angel Tree Program and St. James Church.

“The greatest gift I received during my time at SJS is the friendships I developed. The friends that I made in three-year-old preschool are still my best friends today.”

“One of my favorite memories at SJS was playing the role of Jesus in the Passion Play. Playing this part was the greatest honor. It culminated all of the years of religious education into one very humbling experience, one I will never forget.”