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| Matthew Turnbull |
NEW SWEDEN — The legacy of a young man from New Sweden will benefit future generations of Aroostook County youth by helping them attain a degree from a local college he loved and considered his second home.
The family of Matthew Turnbull, who was 23 when he died as the result of an automobile accident last November during one of the first snowfalls of the season, has established a scholarship in Matthew’s memory at Northern Maine Community College, where he studied welding and commercial truck driving. One Caribou High School graduate pursuing a trade at NMCC will be awarded the Matthew Turnbull’s Livin’ the Dream Scholarship.
“Anyone who knew Matthew quickly recognized his energy, humor and generous spirit. He was always wearing a smile and when asked how he was doing, would reply, ‘I’m living the dream,’” said Matthew’s mother, Lynn Turnbull. “That was the inspiration behind the name for the scholarship fund. NMCC is really where he found his niche, so to speak. He loved the community college and was a frequent visitor even after graduation,” Lynn continued. “Matthew was proud of his educational achievements and his connection with the school. Continued learning was a priority in his life.”
The Turnbull family is hoping to expand the recently established scholarship with a plan to also award a second-year NMCC student from Aroostook County with similar assistance. With that goal in mind, the Turnbulls, along with friends and former co-workers of Matthew’s, have organized a scholarship benefit.
The Matthew Turnbull’s Livin’ the Dream Scholarship Benefit will take place on Saturday, March 16, at the Caribou Inn & Convention Center. The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with a social hour and silent auction. According to Lynn Turnbull, area businesses and individuals have been extremely supportive and generous, providing many items of high value for the auction.
A dance will begin at 8 p.m. with the band Common Crossing, of which Matthew was a member, performing. The evening will wrap up at midnight.
Matthew was perhaps best known to many as “Nameless the Intern” on radio station 101.9 The Rock, or nearby the stage with his Common Crossing brothers. However, most folks would not know the obstacles that Matthew had to face.
As a young boy, Matthew was diagnosed with ADHD, which presented many challenges. With the support of special people along the way, he learned certain skills and worked hard to overcome his learning disabilities. Matthew earned many state and national FFA awards while also serving as the Caribou FFA Chapter’s vice president and president as well as holding a state FFA office while at Caribou High School.
Matthew went on to further his education, earning an associate’s degree as well as two additional certifications at NMCC, one of which included the distinction of Outstanding Student of the Year in the metal fabrication program. He served as a resident assistant and volunteered in helping faculty and students alike in his spare time.
Though he had employment opportunities offered to him in Alaska, Colorado and Bath, Matthew considered himself a “County farm boy” with a passion for agriculture, so he chose to remain employed locally at Lynox Welding with a goal to one day be a full partner in the Turnbull Farms Dairy.
“By establishing and growing Matthew Turnbull’s Livin’ the Dream Scholarship, we hope to transform our family’s grief into goodness,” commented Matthew’s father, Alan Turnbull. “It is our sincere hope that these scholarships will serve to keep his spirit alive in others who strive to better themselves and contribute to our community.”
There will be a $10 entrance fee for the dance, in addition to the silent auction. All proceeds will go directly to Matthew Turnbull’s Livin’ the Dream Scholarship.
For more information or to make a donation, contact the NMCC Foundation at 760-1188.
