Sixth-grader Matthew Carvalho is no slouch. He’s president of the Old Hammondtown School Council and a multi-instrumentalist in the school band. He participates in basketball, soccer, and track. He is in the stock market club after school and is vice-president of the Junior Friends of the Mattapoisett Library.

In June, the Mattapoisett resident will get to build on his leadership skills at the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

Matthew’s teacher Laura O’Connell nominated him for the conference, which is specifically for middle school students.

“I didn’t even know about it before I got nominated,” said Matthew. “I got this huge envelope in the mail saying you’ve been nominated. It was so big and exciting.”

As the fourth Old Hammondtown student accepted to the program since 2009 and the first boy, Matthew said, “I’m looking forward to learning new stuff to help me expand my leadership, and meeting new friends. It’s going to be really fun.”

In addition to getting his first real tour of the Capitol, Matthew will hear from national leaders. In the past, conference speakers have included former Vice-President Al Gore, House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi as well as other government leaders.

“It’s really going to be an exciting experience,” said the ecstatic 11-year-old.

Appropriately, the conference ends on Matthew’s birthday.

“My mom already said my braces and Washington are your birthday present, so don’t ask for anything else!” said Matthew.