Rocket Mortgage Executive Works To Preserve Beecher High School’s Rich Legacy

Long after its closure, Beecher High School in Mt. Morris still has a special place in Matt Rizik's heart. The Rocket Mortgage executive hopes to preserve the school's rich history.

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Matt Rizik is the Chief Tax and Finance Officer for Dan Gilbert's Rock Ventures, the parent company of Rock Financial. Rizik was born in Flint and has been keenly aware of how successful Beecher High School's basketball program has been through the decades.

Interest Piqued When the School Lost a Remodeling Contest

Rizik took interest in the school a few years ago when Beecher was entered in a contest to win a large sum of money for a locker room remodeling project, but lost.

Although he's a Powers High School alumnus, Rizik felt that his former rival school district could use his help.

"Beecher entered the competition but lost," Rizik explains to Detroit TV station WDIV. "The lockers are literally the same lockers [from when he attended school]."

There's no running water, no showers, a slippery floor, and an empty pool. Rizik explains that rain and snow leak into the facility because of a roof that is in serious disrepair.

After the school lost its bid to win the remodeling prize, Rizik joined forces with other employees within Rock Ventures and raised about $600,000 toward the school's rehabilitation.

School Gets a Facelift

In the video below, check out some of the repairs that have been done thanks to Rizik and his team.

There's a brand new gym floor, state-of-the-art locker room facilities for boys and girls, and an auxiliary gym.

Rizik Finds Fulfillment

Not only has the businessman's investment been a boon for the school, it's brought him personal satisfaction.

"I'm learning as much about life from them as I'm teaching them," Rizik says. "I've met a group of people that I've fallen in love with."