By Gina Greco
Town of Webb senior Matthew Finnerty, 18, moved to Old Forge about six years ago from the Catskills.
“My family started coming up every weekend, so they decided to move here,” he said.
Matthew is interested in studying Diesel Technology. He has narrowed his college choices to Alfred State or WyoTech, formerly known as Wyoming Technical Institute.
“I’ve been interested in diesel mechanics for a long time. My uncle was the one that got me interested in it,” he said.
“The Diesel Tech class at BOCES is my favorite class. It’s all hands on, and all day I get to do what I enjoy,” he said.
Matthew’s favorite teacher is Mr. Cunningham. “He’s more like a friend than a teacher. You can talk to him about anything, and he will listen,” he said.
Matthew plays center field on the Webb varsity baseball team.
In the winter, he works a good amount at Wilderness Interiors and Smith Marine, in Old Forge.
He also has his own business called C&M Lawn Care.
“We have over 45 lawns right now,” he said.
“I recently bought a new snowmobile, so that keeps me busy during the winter when I’m not working,” he said.
In the warmer months, Matthew said he likes to fish and hunt. “I like to be out on the lakes as much as possible jet skiing and boating,” he said.
Matthew said he is a fan of all music, but country is his favorite.
His parents are Nevin and Diana Finnerty. Nevin is an excavator and Diana is a registered nurse.
He said his dad has been a major influence. “He’s done a little bit of everything in life and not just stuck with one thing,” he said.
“My favorite memory is Spring Break 2014, it was just memorable,” he said.
This summer Matthew said he plans to work a lot and prepare for college.
“I’m ready to go to college. I’m excited to move forward,” he said.
“I’m gonna miss everyone around here. We’re kind of like a big family. I’ll definitely be back,” he said.