"It means a lot to me, my school, my team and my family."
 
Matthew Hassenfratz '24 is the WIVB News4 Male Scholar Athlete of the Year.
 
The award was announced on Tuesday's broadcasts, as Hassenfratz was presented with the award by News4's Sara Holland.
 
The award is accompanied by a $3,000 scholarship check from Transitowne Automotive Group. Saturday's announcement also included the Female Scholar Athlete of the Year being awarded to Neveah Foster of City Honors. 
 
"I'd like to thank Transitowne for this opportunity – the scholarship is really going to help financially with college," said Hassenfratz, who will study engineering at Case Western Reserve University.
 
Hassenfratz was named a News4 Scholar Athlete of the Month in April for a tremendous school year that included a perfect 300 game and a third straight All-Catholic Championship for CHS Bowling.
 
The Orchard Park native and St. John Vianney School graduate finished fifth academically in his class. He also received the Philippe B. Piedad Accolade Award, which honors a graduating senior whose quiet inner strength exemplifies the essence of the Canisius spirit through academics, athletics and service.
 
Hassenfratz, who also played hockey and tennis, was a standout for the CHS Drama Guild (on stage for "12 Angry Men" and backstage for "The Addams Family") and did the morning announcements each day.
 
"Seeing all my hard work pay off, it's a dream come true. I've been bowling since I was 3. Bowling that 300 game has been a dream of mine for a long time, and this is just an ongoing of these dreams coming true."
 
Students and families interested in the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – rated as Buffalo's "Best Catholic School" in Business First and named "Best Private School" in The Buffalo News Best in 716 issue – can learn more at canisiushigh.org and by scheduling an on-campus experience at canisiushigh.org/visit
 
This place is special. Let us show you why.
 
#amdg #gocrusaders #pursueexcellence