The Scopelliti Triplets

Dual enrollment during high school leads three brothers to accelerated degree achievement and a sense of belonging in a welcoming, supportive community

On a rainy spring day in May 2025, as families arrived with flowers, tassels swayed, and the APGFCU Arena buzzed with the pulse of promise, a wave of applause rose when three familiar names were called in succession: Matthew Scopelliti. Nicholas Scopelliti. Christian Scopelliti.

Three brothers—each born one minute apart—walked across the stage not just as individuals but as a unit shaped by love, resilience, and opportunity.

“It’s definitely something special,” Christian said. “Growing up as triplets has meant we’ve done a lot together, but graduating college side by side is one of the biggest milestones we’ve shared. It makes me proud that we could support each other through every class, assignment, and exam. It feels like an even bigger accomplishment because we did it together and just a year after graduating from high school.”

Each brother received two associate degrees: Matthew in Data Science and Business Administration, Nicholas in Accounting and Business Administration, while Christian earned his two in Engineering Technology and Business Management.

The Scopelliti triplets’ journey is more than a feel-good story—it’s a testament to the impact of community, family, and the promise of early college access through Harford Community College’s dual enrollment program. This was more than a personal triumph for the affable trio. It was a shared mission. One that started long before they ever stepped onto campus.

“The highlight for me has been the sense of community at Harford, both among students and professors,” Christian added. “I built a lot of deep relationships with not only the other students, who I ended up having numerous classes with, but also with the teachers, as I had a few of them repeatedly. There were also many events that I got to go to with my brothers and friends. I think the College has done an excellent job of providing activities and events, weaving them into everyday campus life and building a sense of community between all the students.”

Originally from Montgomery County, Maryland, the triplets moved to Harford County when they were eight years old. It was a new town, a new school system, and a fresh start—one that would ultimately unlock a future none of them could have predicted.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered classrooms and disrupted routines, the Scopellitis leaned on each other like never before. Their kitchen table became a shared workspace. Google Meet became the default mode of connection. And on the hardest days, their bond was the difference between giving up and pressing on. Their parents, teachers, and the community at large provided unwavering support, reinforcing the importance of a supportive environment in educational success.

“It is incredibly cool to be triplets and graduate together,” Matthew shared. “It’s an honor to be up there with them and celebrate graduation with them. One of my highlights here was my involvement with the radio station and campus life in general. Harford provided a welcoming atmosphere, and the professors were encouraging every step of the way.”

Matthew, the quietest and oldest of the three, emerged as a natural caretaker. At Havre de Grace High School, he served as president of the National Honor Society and tutored peers struggling to catch up post-pandemic—refusing payment, simply wanting to help. At Harford, he found his rhythm behind the microphone, hosting three radio shows on WHFC that spanned pop, jazz, and classical genres. Now completing the Baltimore Cyber Range program, Matthew brings quiet brilliance to a complex world driven by a desire to protect and uplift others.

Nicholas, outgoing and full of charisma, brought light and leadership to every room he entered. Crowned prom king and named captain of both the volleyball and tennis teams, Nicholas balanced school and sports with remarkable grace. His love of numbers led him to an internship with Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra, CPA—a longtime partner of the College—where he worked through the intensity of tax season. He’s headed toward a future in accounting, with plans to become a CPA.

Christian, the bridge between his brothers, had a hammer in his hand before he had a textbook. As a child, he refused to read unless it was Bob the Builder or Handy Manny. That early passion never faded. For the last two years, he’s worked at Stella May Construction Company, learning the building trade from the ground up. Stella May, another partner of the College, brought Christian on board as an intern while still in high school. After completing several construction classes offered at Harford, he continues to gain experience in commercial and infrastructure construction and sees himself building a career in project management.

What connected these three paths was the opportunity to take college-level courses at Harford Community College while still enrolled at Havre de Grace High, giving them a head start in their college education. The dual enrollment program not only provided academic credit but also instilled confidence, autonomy, and belief in their capacity.

“The highlight of my journey has been the speed at which I’ve been able to do everything; it’s great to graduate from Harford a year early and be able to progress in my learning, as well as hopefully enter the workforce earlier,” Nicholas said. “Harford’s dual enrollment classes with the high schools are incredibly valuable for kids who want to further their education faster than usual.”

For Harford Community College, their story is a powerful example of the dual enrollment program’s potential—not just to accelerate academic success but to deepen purpose and community connection. The triplets’ achievements echo Harford’s broader mission: making college accessible, supporting student growth, and ensuring every learner feels seen and supported.

Now, with associate degrees in hand, all three brothers will continue their education this fall at the University of Maryland Global Campus. While their paths may soon diverge slightly, their foundation remains unshakable.

As they turned their tassels and stepped into the future, the Scopelliti triplets reminded everyone in the Arena of something profound: that when a community believes in its young people, it doesn’t just change lives—it builds legacies.

“We have a unique bond that is maybe somewhat distinct from normal siblings,” Christian said. “We’ve always been each other’s biggest supporters and best friends. We share many interests but also respect each other’s differences, which was particularly important in college, as we all had different pathways in our career goals and lives. I think what makes it special is that we understand each other better than anyone else ever could, and that makes everything we do, including graduating, more meaningful.”