BAR MITZVAH BOY HONORS FATHER WITH GIFT TO PSU ABINGTON
ABINGTON -- When most Jewish boys reach 13 years of age, they go through a rigorous Bar Mitzvah ceremony to show that they are ready to accept the obligations of the Ten Commandments. Though highly symbolic, the Bar Mitzvah marks the traditional transition from boyhood to manhood.
For Matt Arkans, a 14-year-old from Huntingdon Valley, that maturation process began eight years ago with the unfortunate death of his father, Rick, from leukemia. With help from his mother, Barbara, he overcame the tragedy, though it was more than a five-year-old should have to face.
"What I remember about (my father) are things like going to the park, going to open house at school, and 'boys' night out,'" the teen recalled recently. "We also picked out our first dog together, much to my mother's dismay. But she was outnumbered, and you know how that works."
Last October, when Matt finally reached his Bar Mitzvah, he showed that he did possess wisdom beyond his years, and a high regard for the Commandment that reads: "Honor Thy Father and Mother." Instead of blowing all his Bar Mitzvah bounty on a go-cart or trip to Disney World, Matt thought long and hard about what he should do with the money, and decided to honor the memory of his loving father.
This fall, Matt will make a $1,000 contribution to Penn State Abington campus, becoming one of the youngest donors in the history of the prestigious university. The Rick Arkans Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a student with high academic achievement who demonstrates financial need.
Why Penn State? Because Rick Arkans graduated from the university in 1980 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration, and Barbara recently continued her post-secondary studies at Penn State Abington, after taking a lengthy hiatus from Penn State to raise a family. Furthermore, Matt says he would like to study veterinary medicine at Penn State when he gets a bit older.
"I was considering putting the majority of it (the Bar Mitzvah money) away and blowing the other part on something cool," he said. "It was me and my mom's idea, alike, to donate the money to Abington on such a momentous occasion."
Matt -- who enjoys playing the stock market and even requested Microsoft stock in lieu of an 11th birthday party -- plans to work on an investment strategy with Penn State Abington's David Miller, director of development, so the money could possibly be used for a recurring scholarship.
Miller said Matt's gift is as gratifying as it is unexpected.
"It is an inspiration to all of us. It is not simply the gift to Penn State Abington that is so special -- it is also the meaningful way that Matthew has chosen to honor the memory of his father," he said. "Barbara Arkans and her late husband have certainly taught their son all the right values."
Barbara Arkans, who was raised Catholic and converted to Judaism when she married, said she and Matt put their heads together to devise ways to help the community as part of his Bar Mitzvah project. In addition to the contribution to Penn State Abington, the Arkans family also collected nearly 1,000 pounds of dog and cat food and supplies in their neighborhood, which they promptly donated to the SPCA. They also bought toys instead of flowers for the Bar Mitzvah, and donated them so a Christian family could have a more holly, jolly Christmas last year.
Mother and son are getting plenty of satisfaction from the thought that Rick Arkans is smiling down on them from above.
"Helping someone less fortunate than you is the best way to honor someone's memory," said Barbara, noting that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She said Matt has his father's "quick wit, laid-back style, and intelligence."
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