By Karen Copperberg  

 Matthew Zavala, a junior at Niwot High School, is honored to be one of the 11,500  Americans chosen to help carry the Olympic torch.  Matthew, the junior class president, thinks his godmother may have nominated him.  Nationally, there were approximately 250,000 people nominated by having an essay submitted.  Eleven nominees from Longmont will joined the procession.
 The torch passed through Longmont on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Matthew started his ran at about 1:08 p.m. and ran for approximately two blocks, along Longs Peak Avenue onto Terry Street. 
  Besides being in the Link Crew at NHS, and playing the violin in the orchestra, Matthew also serves on the NHS Accountability Committee, the Longmont Youth Council, and the Teen Dance Club Committee.  He is very active in his church, lending a hand with the National Council for Youth, and the Senior High Retreat Committee.  He also is part of the high school Cross Country team.  
“I like to keep busy,” Matthew said. Congratulations Matthew – we enjoyed seeing you holding the torch high!

Photo by Ron Goodman

NHS junior Matthew Zavala begins his run carrying the Olympic torch.