Alumni Spotlight: Matthew

Lights, Camera, Action! Meet Matthew, Filmmaker and Graduate

Meet Matthew, a talented alumni of Destinations Career Academy of Colorado whose passion for film and digital media has taken him on an incredible educational journey, one that has led him straight to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) where he’s been studying in their prestigious Film and Television program since August of 2024. 

Matthew’s path to success has been anything but conventional, and that’s exactly what helped shape his unique voice and perspective. He began his education in a traditional brick-and-mortar school, transitioned to homeschooling during middle school, and then found the perfect fit for high school through Destinations Career Academy of Colorado. His mom, Lynda, discovered the program just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and it turned out to be the ideal environment for Matthew to thrive. 

“Destinations Career Academy of Colorado offers the structure of public school, but with more attention from educators, more programs, and genuinely caring teachers and counselors,” Matthew shared. “They always start with, ‘How are you feeling today?’ and that kind of mental awareness makes a big difference.” 

While in high school, Matthew participated in Destinations Career Academy of Colorado’s talent show, entered photography contests, and pursued digital media and graphic design. His interests didn’t stop there though. He’s been a lifeguard, plays the piano, performs theater, and even took advantage of concurrent enrollment to attend the Colorado Film School and earn community college credits, giving him a valuable head start before heading to college in Georgia. 

K12 even featured Matthew and his brother Jeffrey (a sophomore at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado) in a “Day in the Life” video series. Their experience showcases how the online model allows students to balance rigorous academics with a variety of extracurriculars and personal passions.

One of the biggest misconceptions Matthew hears about online learning is the idea that students lack social interaction — but his experience has been the exact opposite. “Destinations Career Academy of Colorado actually gives us more time to connect with people because we’re not tied to a rigid school day,” he explained. “My brother and I have more social connections now than we did in public school.” 

Recently, Matthew had the exciting opportunity to be at Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the concert and film production of “I Can Only Imagine 2”, where he got to meet and connect with members of the film crew on set, an experience that further fueled his passion for the industry. His mentee, Cannon, has been closely following his journey and has even attended several of the films Matthew has worked on, gaining inspiration from his mentor’s dedication and creativity. Matthew officially began his studies at SCAD in Fall 2024 through their online program and is set to move on campus in Fall 2025 to continue his Film and Television degree in person, fully immersing himself in the next chapter of his creative education. 

Through career-focused pathways, flexible learning models, and dedicated mentorship from passionate educators, Destinations Career Academy of Colorado empowers students to explore their creative interests while building real-world skills. Whether it’s digital design, film production, or visual arts, students are equipped with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to turn their passions into lifelong careers. 

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