Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Griffith, Class of 2021
For Matthew Griffith ‘21 and his parents, choosing to attend Portland Christian Schools wasn’t just about getting a good education—it was about setting a solid foundation for his future. Looking back now, he reflects on how that choice shaped him in ways he didn’t expect.
“The top three things I remember about going to Portland Christian were the friends I made, the supportive and thoughtful teachers, and the close community,” Matthew says. At Portland Christian, he wasn’t just another student in the crowd—he was part of a tight-knit community where teachers genuinely cared about his success and personal growth.
One of the most impactful aspects of his time at Portland Christian was the close relationships he built with his teachers. “I remember all of my teachers from preschool through senior year, but Mrs. Humphrey and Mrs. McLean really stand out. Their support and interaction helped me thrive—not just as a student, but as a person,” Matthew recalls. These teachers went beyond the classroom to offer guidance that extended beyond homework and tests.
When it comes to his achievements while at PCS, Matthew credits his time in the art department for some of his most notable accomplishments. “What I am most proud of from my time at PCS is winning two National Gold Medals from Scholastic Art and Writing Awards thanks to my amazing art teachers,” he says. Art class was always his favorite part of the day, and those awards marked a high point in his ongoing artistic journey.
Today, Matthew is finishing his studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design, pursuing a career in Illustration for publication. Reflecting on his academic success, he attributes much of his preparation to PCS. “Thanks to Portland Christian I felt very prepared for college,” he says. “Having completed [the majority of] my college experience I would say that the arts programs at PCS gave me a lot more of a base knowledge in many art techniques that some of my peers do not have.”
Matthew can also see how the extracurriculars he participated in at Portland Christian helped him develop important life skills that he carries with him today. “I participated in varsity sports, student council, honor society, art honor society, and was a recognized member of Mu Alpha Theta at graduation. These numerous activities prepared me by teaching me social skills, pushing me academically, and helping me learn good time management.”
Looking back on his time at Portland Christian, Matthew recognizes how the school’s focus on faith is helping him stay grounded during his college years. “I often think back to some of the Bible classes that I had at Portland Christian, even back in middle school with Mr. Beaumont, and how they prepared me for college life. I feel that thanks to PCS I have a strong biblical foundation to build upon,” he reflects. The emphasis on apologetics at Portland Christian was another key element that Matthew now realizes helps him stay “in sound faith.”
Matthew weighs the lasting impact that Portland Christian had on his character and worldview. “I think that what I’ve taken from PCS has always pushed me to help others. Generosity, kindness, and selflessness always go a long way in terms of servant leadership.” The values of service and leadership continue to influence how he approaches life.
Matthew admits, “At the time I couldn’t wait to get out of high school, but looking back I really do remember my time at PCS fondly and cherish the friends and memories I made.” Matthew’s experience at Portland Christian wasn’t just about academics or awards—it was about the connections he made, the lessons he learned, and the faith that continues to guide him.
Matthew encourages current PCS students to “enjoy the personal connections that are so easily made in a school like PCS, they may not be so easy to make in a much bigger setting like college. Teachers may not care to learn your name or you may not know every person in your class.”
And as he continues to move forward, he’s grateful for the foundation Portland Christian provided. For Matthew, attending Portland Christian Schools wasn’t just a good choice—it was the right one, helping him become the person he is today, and equipping him for the future he’s now building.