Way to Go: Matthew Holweger, Manhasset
Matthew Holweger, 17, a senior at Manhasset High School, has captained the collection of more than 300 tennis rackets since the 2013-14 school year, when he launched the Long Island chapter of Kids Serving Kids. The nonprofit recycles rackets for youths in need. Credit: U.S. Tennis Association
A Manhasset student is serving up a love of tennis to kids who can't afford to purchase their own equipment.
Matthew Holweger, a Manhasset High School senior, has captained the collection of more than 300 tennis rackets since the 2013-14 school year, when he launched the Long Island chapter of Kids Serving Kids. The nonprofit recycles rackets for youths in need.
"Whether these kids continue with tennis or not, it feels good being able to introduce them to something new," he said.
Holweger, 17, will receive the Junior Volunteer of the Year Award from the U.S. Tennis Association's Long Island Region during an awards dinner Wednesday at Crest Hollow Country Cub in Woodbury.
"It's very humbling and satisfying," he said of the recognition.
To get donations, Holweger said he and two Manhasset peers, Brooke DiGia and Brett Weisberg, sent letters to tennis-playing family and friends asking for gently used rackets. The chapter also has received $1,600 in monetary donations used to purchase new rackets.
Last year, the chapter hosted a six-week tennis clinic for nearly 100 children at the Manhasset/Great Neck Equal Opportunity Center.
Holweger is captain of his school's varsity tennis team, treasurer of the Italian Honor Society, and a member of the National Honor Society.
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