DeKalb High School grad, former Barb awarded Christopher Anderson Memorial Scholarship

DeKALB – DeKalb High School graduate and former Barbs soccer star Matthew Tuszynski recently was named the 2024 winner of the Christopher Anderson Memorial Scholarship.

The $1,700 scholarship is awarded each year by the late Anderson’s family to a senior DeKalb High School soccer player who is a good student and exemplifies the spirit, teamwork, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for soccer that Christopher demonstrated, according to a news release.

“Matthew Tuszynski has been a tremendous ambassador for the boys soccer program throughout his four years at DeKalb High School,” head soccer coach PJ Hamilton said in the release. “Matt has helped elevate the standards for players on and off the field. ... He has the ability to connect with his teammates like very few in the game. His approach to soccer made teammates gravitate toward his leadership style and share a strong sense of belonging.”

Tuszynski played soccer for the Barbs all four years of his high school career, including three years on the varsity team. He was varsity team captain, 2023 DeKalb County Male Soccer Player of the Year, two-time Academic All-Conference, and part of the 2023 All-Conference First All Sectional and All State teams, according to the release.

Tuszynski joined the Red Hawks of Ripon College.

“On top of the many accolades he earned throughout his time at DHS, the program will truly miss his leadership,” Hamilton said in the release. “His calm demeanor, commitment and work ethic inspired players at all levels.”

The scholarship was created in 2000 by the Anderson family in memory of their son, 16, who was killed in a car crash July 18, 1999. The scholarship fund has grown each year through contributions made by his family and people in the DeKalb community. It is managed by the DeKalb County Community Foundation.