Matthew Gerald Monette is indeed one of Alcorn State University’s rare jewels. He hails from Shreveport, Louisiana and is the son of Connie, a hospital worker, and Gerald, a truck driver, Monette. Both instilled a strong work ethic and a strong Christian belief in this young man and it is definitely paying off.
But it wasn’t always easy in the Monette home. When Matthew began his academic career at Evangel Christian Academy (K-12) in Shreveport his teachers recognized his inability to read on the same level as the other students and suggested that he get tested. After getting tested, Monette was diagnosed with Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). But through his families’ strong religious beliefs he was able to continue at Evangel and have a prosperous academic career filled with extracurricular activities.
One particular event that reigns strong in Monette’s mind is when he was saved in his 10th grade year at Evangel. The event was an eye opener for him and it made him see his true purpose in life. “Every since that day I’m living for God because I feel like a new creation. Whatever God needs me to do or wants me to do, I’ll do,” says Monette.
Also during his duration in high school at Evangel between 2007-2011 Monette was a superb athlete. He won 2 state championships in football and 1 state championship in baseball. After high school, Monette attended Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) in Bossier City, Louisiana where he majored in Business and also played baseball. But with only five credits left to complete his degree a tragedy struck in the Monette family that left him devastated to point where he felt he couldn’t go on. After speaking with Aaron Vorachek, his baseball coach at BPCC, Monette came to the conclusion that maybe it was time for a change of atmosphere and a fresh start.
That fresh start was Alcorn State University. Once at Alcorn, Monette decided to change his major to General Studies since it was the closet major to his transferable business credits. But because he was a transfer student he had to sit out his first year at Alcorn due to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules. This was a blessing in disguise because it gave him the opportunity to meet people and to properly adjust to his new environment.
As a current graduating senior Monette is seizing every opportunity that comes his way. He will play this baseball season as an outfielder for the Alcorn State University Braves and he has started a movement of faith. The Movement is dedicated to spreading the word of God and helping people with their spiritual journey. The website can be located at www.themovementasu.com or at Instagram at THE_MOVEMENT_ALCORN.
After graduating from Alcorn Monette says, “I plan on getting drafted in the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft in 2016 and I plan to use my earnings to help needy people.” One quote that Monette lives by is Luke 2:49 which states, “Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”