Who is Matt Morrison from Crow Lake and what is their importance?

Matt Morrison is only seventeen when his parents are killed in a car accident. Matt is hit hard by the deaths. In the months that follow the funeral, Matt finds himself content in the idea that he and his siblings will be separated. When the local teacher comes and asks that Matt be allowed to continue his studies because of the intelligence he has shown in his schoolwork up to this point, Matt learns of the visit from Kate.