Town of Webb senior, Josh Matteson, 18, lives and grew up in White Lake.
He said he is glad to be graduating, but will miss his friends. He is, however, looking forward to meeting new people.
After graduation, Josh plans to attend Morrisville State College for Auto Technology. “I really love cars and working on them,” he said.
When Josh went to visit his brother Matthew, 20, who also attends Morrisville, he realized how much he liked the college. He’s glad that he will now have the opportunity to further his own studies there.
“I looked into the auto mechanics program, and it was pretty big there,” he said.
Josh’s favorite class is Government with Mr. Kinney, his favorite teacher.
“He makes the classes fun, which makes it easier to learn. And he really understands his students,” Josh said.
He has played soccer since 7th grade, and this year he scored his first goal of the season playing in the Columbus Day Tournament.
“It was very important for me, since it was his last time playing soccer for the school on Columbus Day weekend,” he said.
Josh had been a trumpet player in the school band, but had to open his schedule for the current school year.
To prepare for his college pursuits, Josh studies auto mechanics at BOCES, and is a member of the Skills USA program.
He is also a member of Varsity Club.
In the summertime, he said he hunts and fishes and enjoys being outdoors.
Hiking is fine, but only to get to the good fishing spots.
For winter activity, he had been snowmobiling since age 8, before selling his snowmobile this year. “I needed the money for college,” he said.
Besides Matthew, Josh has a second brother James, age 7.
His parents are Jim and Bridget Matteson who own and operate Matteson’s Market in White Lake. The family also runs a landscaping business.
“I’ve worked for my family since I could walk, doing whatever needs to be done,” Josh said.
His father has influenced him the most. Josh said he works hard every day in running his business.
“Because of him, I want return to the area after college and open up my own mechanic shop,” Josh said.