Growing away from home

While home is where our story begins, in the words of Maya Angelou, every departure is a new chapter. For Cushing residential student Matt Rippberger, that chapter has been all about newfound growth and independence. 

Rippberger, who turned 18 in March, enrolled at Cushing in eighth grade. 

“My cousin went there for many years, so we were familiar with Cushing,” said his mother, Marybeth. “We’ve been thrilled. Everyone is awesome, and the communication with the teachers is wonderful. He was with Gabi for several years and she pushed him to do better, and Brent and Amanda in recreation have given him a lot of confidence in sports.” 

Rippberger started as a day student, commuting from Plainville. Last year, he made the transition to residential, moving into a house within Cushing’s Hanover community. 

“He’s become so active there,” said Marybeth. “He’s gotten involved in so many sports and tried Special Olympics, and even weightlifting and softball. It’s really been a great opportunity for him, and he wouldn’t have gotten that at home.”

Marybeth admits the decision wasn’t one their family took lightly, but it’s been the best result.

“It’s not an easy thing to hand over your child, especially when you’ve been so involved, but you have to put faith in the process and we’re so glad we took that step,” she said. “It blows my mind, seeing him grow so much. His new attitude has been ‘I’m going to do it.’ It’s been amazing. We never thought we’d be here, but it gives you hope.”

Rippberger is autistic, has anxiety and liver disease and also suffered complex intestinal issues when he was younger, taking him in and out of the hospital for years. 

“We stay on top of that, and being as fit as he is helps,” said Marybeth.

Rippberger is also very talented artistically. 

“He has great art and animation skills,” said Marybeth. “His grandparents are animators for Disney and he wants to be an animator. He’s into the Marvel superheroes and drawing and editing and all that. Creativity and drawing have been outlets for him since he was young. He uses it as a coping skill.”

Randy Wiskow, Cushing’s manager of art enrichment and community engagement, noticed Rippberger’s talent right away.

“He’s just unbelievable,” said Wiskow. “Early on, I saw he always carried around a sketchbook. He was very shy when he first got here, but he really came out of his shell. I’ve never seen anyone latch onto the Cushing spirit as much as he has. He’s joined every club, sport, committee. It’s great. And, he carries the Franciscan values of helping others and being kind. He’s a good person to be around. He just shines.” 

Rippberger is working on some large canvases for Wiskow and sold some of his artwork at Cushing’s St. Patrick’s Day dinner and auction. He enjoys his art studio time and is taking Cushing’s newest multimedia arts class. 

Outside of Cushing, Rippberger has also taken classes at MassArt. “We try to give him as many opportunities as possible,” said Marybeth.

Lately, Rippberger has been rotating through job sites through Cushing’s vocational program and is enjoying his work in the MarketPlace. 

“He’s gone through all eight of our sites, as well as off campus with our job coach,” said Vinny DeSilva, Cushing’s director of vocational services. “He’s just a great kid all around. He’s really come into his own, showing growth and independence.” 

In the fall, Rippberger also went to Bermuda with a small group of Cushing students and adult participants. 

“That was a great opportunity,” said Marybeth. “He loves to travel and see new things.” 

Basketball has become a new passion for him as well, and he’s become one of the best defensive players at Cushing. Win or lose, he always enjoys being part of the team. 

“This is my first year coaching Matt on the basketball team, but he easily became one of my favorite players to coach,” said vocational teacher and basketball coach Jared Foster. “When he first started practicing, what he lacked in skill, he made up for in determination and hard work, especially on the defensive end. His willingness to listen and get better every day really showed as the season went on. He’s definitely the most improved player on the team. I can’t wait to see his continued growth next season.”

Rippberger’s next goal is to get his driver’s license, and Marybeth says he takes a practice test on his own on a regular basis. 

“We want him to know he can achieve what he wants, no matter how long it takes,” she said. “We’ll always support him.”