Background of the Award

Cherished son of YAFH founder Jan Papirmeister and her husband Chuck, and brother of Sara, Matt Papirmeister was able to connect with anyone with his exuberance, kindness, keen intellect, and dry wit. Matt was a very talented artist and golfer. Raised in New Hampshire and Vermont, he enjoyed hiking, camping, and snowboarding. Matt served in the U.S. Army and was an Iraq War veteran, earning the Army Commendation Medal in addition to seven medals and ribbons.

In August 2014, one week before his 25th birthday, Matt died of catastrophic injuries after being struck by a car while helping someone with a disabled vehicle. Matt’s heart and kidney were donated, giving two people the Gift of Life, and his exuberant and kind spirit prevails.

During the 2014-15 school year, 16 Walt Whitman High School students participated in a special Youth Art For Healing project. The student artists' 20 beautiful paintings that reflect the life of Matt and his family are permanently installed in Joint Base Andrews Fisher House at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.

Matt’s family is very grateful for the love, kindness, and support they have received, the wonderful talent and commitment of the YAFH student artists, and the many generous donations given to Youth Art For Healing in memory of Matt.

Youth Art For Healing created the Matt Papirmeister Award for student artists that honors the exemplary life of this fine young man. This award is designed not only to commemorate Matt’s kind spirit and zest for life, but also to support student artists who are creating, giving, and doing good in their community.

Paintings that reflect the life of Matt and his family, created by students from Walt Whitman High School and installed in Joint Base Andrews Fisher House at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.

Award Details

Beginning in 2023, the Matt Papirmeister Award will be presented to two YAFH student artists every spring. Applicants must be high school seniors from Montgomery County, Maryland. The winners of this annual award will be selected by the YAFH Board of Directors after a careful review of all the students’ essay questions and paintings.

Each of the two winners receive a $2,500 scholarship payable to the post-secondary program where they will be pursuing educational and artistic opportunities. The winners' artwork will be placed with one of our healthcare partners in a hospital or clinic setting for to comfort and inspiration of patients, loved ones, and healthcare workers.

Support for the Award

To endow the award, the YAFH Board of Directors matched the first $5,000 of donations for the award. You can donate to the Matt Papirmeister Award and help support talented student artists achieve their goals and dreams.