Matt Taunt ’99, 2025 Alumnus of the Year
Brother Rice High School is proud to announce Matthew P. Taunt ’99 as our 2025 Alumnus of the Year. Matthew not only exemplifies the values of Respect, Integrity, Character, and Excellence, but he has also built a life and career deeply rooted in faith, service, and grace.
Matt is a 1999 graduate and a proud product of the Taunt family legacy. His journey after graduation took him to Syracuse University (B.S. in Finance and Entrepreneurship,’ 03) and then the Indiana School of Law (J.D., ’06), where he met his wife, Meredith. The two have been married for 15 years and are the proud parents of Mason (12) and Mallory (10). Mason, currently a 7th grader at St. Regis, is already on the path to joining the ranks of Warrior alumni in the future Class of 2030.
Matt’s answer is simple but powerful when asked what accomplishment he is most proud of: “My family — always has been, always will be.”
In a heartwarming moment for our school community, Matt is the first in a father-son duo to receive this distinguished honor, following in the footsteps of his late father, Charles J. “Chuck” Taunt, Sr. ’67. Chuck’s lifelong leadership and dedication to Brother Rice earned him this recognition in 2008, and together, their legacy beautifully reflects a strong commitment to faith, family, service, and brotherhood.
Both Matt and Chuck responded with immense humility and gratitude for being recognized among the remarkable alumni who have helped shape and enrich the proud traditions of Brother Rice. Their love for our school and its values continues to inspire all of us.
Matt currently serves as the Owner and Managing Partner of the Taunt Law Firm where he has practiced since 2006. The firm, well-respected for its expertise in restructuring, bankruptcy, and estate planning, has grown under Matt’s leadership and continues to carry the professional legacy of the Taunt name. Over the past decade, Matt has earned numerous honors, including recognition as a Super Lawyer Rising Star (2015–2021) and a Super Lawyer (2022–2025).
Driven by a deep belief in the mission of Brother Rice and a genuine enthusiasm for giving back, Matt has remained an active and loyal supporter of the school. His service includes:
- Freshman Football Assistant Coach (2009–2013)
- Alumni Association Board Member (2014–2025)
- Alumni Association President (2017–2019)
- Taunt Family Foundation Board Member & Scholarship Administrator
- Consistent supporter of Boxing Night, Golf Outings, and Irish Night
Matt proudly credits Brother Rice as the foundation of the man he is today — a place that taught him to think critically, compete with purpose, and grow in faith. Influential teachers like Mr. McDunn, whose first-period English class demanded preparation and precision, and Mrs. Lauer, who encouraged him out of his comfort zone to participate in forensics, left a lasting impression.
His Warrior spirit was forged both in the classroom and on the field, with standout moments that highlight his high school career, like the football team’s 41–14 senior year win over top-ranked Rockford and a flawless four-year attendance streak of Coach Fracassa’s infamous agility drills — a streak so rare, it earned him a plaque he proudly still owns.
The Taunt Family received the 2018 Tuition Warrior Award at Rice in the D.
The Taunt family legacy includes: the late Charles Taunt ‘67, the late Bruce Taunt ‘68, Larry Taunt ‘78, Charles “Chip” Taunt Jr. ‘91, Jeff Taunt ‘93, Greg Taunt ‘97, and Matt Taunt ‘99.
We thank Matt for his ongoing service to our school and mission, his commitment to the RICE pillars — Respect, Integrity, Character, and Excellence — and for being a positive role model for our students and extended Warrior Family.
On Friday, April 25, the Senior/Alumni Luncheon will take place at 11:30 am at The Community House in downtown Birmingham. All Brother Rice alumni are invited to join us to congratulate and pay tribute to our 2025 Alumnus of the Year, Matthew Taunt ’99.