MATTHEW J. LaPORTE - Class of 2005
Matthew J. La Porte lost his life in the shootings at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007. Matt started in the 7th grade and was a graduate of the Class of 2005. While here at Carson Long, Matt was the drum major and a valuable member of the Corps of Cadets. He was attending Virginia Tech on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. Matt will be remembered for his humor and wit and his devotion to his friends and fellow cadets.
To view Virginia Tech's tribute to Matt, click this link. The YouTube® video tribute can be found here. This video was created by Chih Chu Zee, Class of 2005.
In his 2005, yearbook oration, Matt quoted Patrick Henry:
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?... I know not what course others may take, but as for me-give me liberty or give me death".
It is with great honor we present Matt's words to the Class of 2005 .
"TURTLE"
Drum Major
Centennial Hall
It seems like a millennium has passed since I first stepped through the gates of Carson Long. Indeed, in September, 1999, a troubled boy found himself here, thinking his parents should have given him a second chance. He thought he wouldn't make it here, but he was stuck; so, he had to make the best of a situation.
He began to make friends - real friends. He started to make promotions. He learned how be be responsible for himself and eventually, also for others. He even improved his average. He felt himself changing. He wondered if Carson Long Mw was his second chance. He changed so much, that I am not quite sure if that boy and I are the same person. Now, I know that Carson Long was my second chance, and nothing could make me more proud than to be standing here today, at the end of this experience - this journey on which most don't even dare to embark. I'm ever thankful. I've made it.
There are so many to thank who have helped me along the way in one way or another, and I apologize if I've forgotten you. I want to first thank God for showing me the importance of faith. Thank, Christopher and Jonathan, for showing me true friendship. Chiu, you were my roommate. I'll miss you. Michrina, you and I've come a long way. Carvellas and Rogers, you were also great friends.
I want to thank the Odatos for their unparalleled kindness, and for taking me in as their own; the Rogiches for being another family to me; and the Comolli's or pushing me along. Thanks, Lt. Shuckman, Lt. Kocur, Lt. Rich, Capt. Boia, and Maj. Sommerville. Lt. Hallman, you've been a great teacher and friend to all of us. Maj. Burlington, thank you for brightening my every day with your unique sense of humor. Ms. Kline, you brought out the creativity in me. Thank you, Priscilla for accepting me as your brother.
As for those who doubted me, you only encouraged me to persevere.
And finally, to my parents; Mom I'm sorry if I ever disappointed you. You've been relentless and persistent, putting your all into me. I love you. Dad, I hope that I've become a man in your eyes, and that whatever I do in life, you are proud of me. Thanks, and I love You.
Seniors, it's finally time for us to go. We've made it together. God
Bless the Class of 2005.