Matt Seely '14 works in mergers and acquisitions, so he knows the playbook for effective salesmanship – analysis, strategic thinking, negotiation, and due diligence.
Every once in a while, the tactical parts of Matt’s profession intersect with genuine feeling.
Such was the case Friday as the keynote speaker for this year's class of Krieger Leadership Scholars made eye contact with all four finalists in assembly as spoke about how Christ School started him down the path to becoming Vice President at Liberty Hall Capital Partners, based out of Charleston, S.C.
“Your interest in Christ School and your desire to be here is what keeps this place strong,” Matt told them.
“And I can promise you something, when you took that turn down Christ School Road at the Shell Station, it could easily be one of the best decisions of your life. I say that because I’ve been exactly where you are.”
Four current eighth graders are this year’s KLS Scholars finalists – Court Beason (Durham, N.C.), Charlie Calder (Davidson, N.C.), Maxwell Parker (Old Fort, N.C.), and Tommy Wright (Simpsonville, S.C.).
It took just over 3 minutes for Head of School Dr. Sean Jenkins P’29 to introduce Matt on Friday and it was not a case of bloviating. The Valedictorian and Commencement Speaker for his senior class has taken the message of Christ School everywhere he has gone since then, to the University of Virginia, and now into the professional world. Along the way, Matt has risen through his field with many impressive credentials.
He has been with Liberty Hall Capital Partners for about five years and is presently on the Board of Directors for three companies – Comply365, Old North State Trust, and Paxia, Inc.
Matt attended Christ School for five years, he was the Prefect in South Carolina House and captain of the varsity football and lacrosse teams as a senior. His scholarships and awards at the time included the Headmaster’s Scholarship. Matt called the KLS selection process a momentous event for the school community as well as the four finalists and their families.
“If I had to describe Christ School in my own words, I wouldn’t say that it’s necessarily in the business of education, athletics, or even college preparation,” Matt said.
“Christ School is in the business of making men. Men who lead with character. Men who lead with integrity. Men who become excellent in their chosen fields. Men who serve their communities. Men who become great husbands, fathers, and top contributors to society. That is the outcome.”
The KLS Scholars and their families arrived in Asheville for a dinner at Biltmore Forest Country Club on Thursday night, followed by a day full of interviews and informational sessions Friday on campus.
Thank you to our interviewers for this year’s KLS selection process, a panel made up of Matt, Will Battle ’09, Karyn Herterich P’04, former Board of Trustees Chairman Bert Scott P’08, Sean Scott ’08, Jack Smallpage ’06, Doug Wilkins P’05, Assistant Head of School Lisa Darling, John Manganiello P’29, and former faculty member Mary Dillon.
The KLS program was founded in 2023 and is an endowed merit scholarship named for former Headmaster, Paul Krieger P’09, P’12, and Beth Krieger P’09 P’12, who led the school through a 21-year period of unprecedented prosperity and growth before retiring in 2021. One full domestic boarding scholarship and one partial boarding scholarship will be awarded each year to new applicants entering the 8th, 9th, or 10th grade. KLS Scholars retain their scholarship throughout their time at Christ School.
Wait McCormick '26 will be the first KLS Scholar to graduate in May, he plans to attend Wake Forest University in his hometown of Winston-Salem, N.C.