Menelek is the son of Raemon Matthews and Emebet Giref of Bushkill, PA. He began attending Faith Christian School in ninth grade after transferring from Lehman Middle School. Menelek enjoyed playing varsity soccer at Faith Christian for three years. Having a love of music, Menelek sang in both chorus and praise team from freshman through senior years. While on the praise team, he also played guitar. He also was part of the fledgling journalism club, serving as co-editor and laying the groundwork for the launch of a school newspaper. Outside of school, he works as a part-time lifeguard and swim instructor at Saw Creek Estate. His home church is Faith International Church, where he has participated in youth worship and volunteered as part of the camera crew; he also has been active in the youth group at Light of the World Church in East Stroudsburg. His favorite Bible passage is John 15:13. In the fall, he will be attending Northampton Community College where he will major in computer science.