Among the farming and timber industry in the small town he has always called home, Matthew Zinnermon can be found volunteering to better the community by picking up trash on the road or helping the elderly clean their homes and cars. His participation and dedication is strongly supported by his foster mother and his faith in God. Being the leader of the Youth Ushers at his church makes leading by example all the more important. In January 2012, Matthew was nominated by his high school administration and chosen for an award from Southern Pine Electric Cooperative for being one of the outstanding eleventh graders in Alabama. He holds a B average while playing both basketball and football. His sports involvement has gained him many recognitions in the community. At two years old, Matthew entered foster care. Having had one unsuccessful reunification with his mother, he remains in foster care and feels grateful for his current situation. “Being in foster care has given me a lot of opportunities to improve on my people skills and self confidence, and given me all the help I need to make it through high school.” His only sadness lies in the absence of his seven brothers and sisters in his life, “especially when it is a holiday. They are on my mind a lot."