Wilmington High's Matt Palermo a 'Volunteer Machine'

Lou Cimaglia got a chance last week to see just what makes Matt Palermo so special.

The brought Palermo to the Military Friends Foundation’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at the Hampshire House. Palermo, a senior who graduated on Sunday with the Class of 2012, had the opportunity to meet Colman Nee, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Services, and retired Brigadier General Thomas Sellars.

With the evening’s event wrapped up, Cimaglia figured it was time to hit the road back to Wilmington. But Palermo had one more stop to make. He wanted to talk to the people in charge of the Military Friends Foundation to find out just what he could do to help.

“That’s the kind of kid he is,” said Cimaglia, who got to know Palermo during the four years the senior has been involved with Local Heroes. “Everything he does and sees that he’s impressed with, he wants to jump on board and help. He’s a volunteer machine.”

While many students wait until their junior or senior year to start the community service requirement for school, Palermo got off to a fast start and was involved right away as a freshman.

In addition to his work with the band and on the lacrosse field, he also volunteers for Local Heroes and is a critical member of the , among other endeavors.

Palermo was rewarded for his work recently when he received a $10,000 from Coca-Cola following a trip to Georgia. Of 84,000 applicants, on 250 were selected to receive scholarships. Palermo was one.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that after graduation, he’ll continue to help people,” said Tracey Kassin, faculty advisor for the 9/11 Memorial Committee. “He really wants to offer what he can to people, and that’s what sets him apart.”

It will be an exciting two-day span for Palermo. On Sunday he graduated and on Monday he will enlist with the National Guard. By doing so, Palermo can train to eventually become a member of the armed forces while also studying at Endicott College for the next four years.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a while. It’s something I’ve wanted my whole life, to join the military,” said Palermo, who said meeting people along the way has been the most rewarding aspect of his volunteer efforts. “I just find it fun volunteering. To see the expressions on peoples’ faces when you help, it’s something I’ve always liked. It has changed my life.”

Palermo received another piece of recognition for his hard work recently. Due to his volunteer work and military enlistment, a flag flew over the State House in his honor and he received it along with a certificate recognizing him.

“Matt has been successful in blazing a path through Wilmington High School. He really made his own road,” said principal Eric Tracy. “Our job is to give kids the skills they need and hope they apply them along the way. Matt exemplifies what we try to do with our students at Wilmington High School.”