Congratulations to Tim Poppe, Class of 2024!
Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off! It’s a momentous day and a significant milestone in your life. As you embark on a new chapter, we hope you take pride in all that you have accomplished and never stop chasing your dreams.
Here are the remarks Tim shared at the Evening of Celebration:
Throughout my early life I’ve had people doubt me. It was hard for me to participate in group settings and trying to express myself. I didn’t talk until I was 5 years old. And when I did begin speaking my thoughts didn’t always come out fluid or clear. Many teachers, peers, and other people thought I wasn’t smart or didn’t belong because of my communication challenges. Thank God, I was able to work hard to overcome these challenges. Here I am graduating high school with a 3.8 GPA. This didn’t happen with simple sheer determination. I had help… lots of help. I am extremely grateful for the support and inspiration others have given me over the years.
My friends have really taught me what it means to be valued in a community. They showed me how to never give up, but also told me to keep striving for the best possible outcome. I am very thankful for my friends. I also would like to thank my therapists for showing me that not everyone’s perfect. They taught me that even though life is tough, you can always change how you think and how you succeed.
Over the years I’ve had several exceptional teachers, and administrators. Mrs. Rozier, my 3rd grade teacher, encouraged me to work beyond my social challenges and helped me get involved in groups. Thanks to Mrs. Rozier I was able to make meaningful connections with friends I still have today. These interactions with my peers helped them understand me better. I was awarded the Perseverance Award that year for the growth I made. Over the last couple of years, Mr. U has reinforced the importance of that perseverance and how that can change everything.
What can I say, my mom and dad have been there for me every step of the way. They have always believed I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. They have encouraged me, guided me, challenged me, and loved me. This daily support has been invaluable. It is the fuel that has kept me going steady and strong on the path of success. My brother is just as important, when things got dark for me, he was always there to help. He is my best friend and I appreciate the love and support he shows me. I also thank my extended family for continuing to fill my love tank and helping to motivate me.
So, as I conclude this chapter in life… I thank everyone who helped mold me into the young man I am now. My mom and dad, my bro and the rest of my extended family, my friends, teachers, administrators, and therapists for showing me what it means to lead my best life and follow my dreams. I’d like to share my final thoughts from an inspirational quote from George Lucas, “No matter what the odds are, your focus determines your reality, so even if people disagree, never stop chasing your aspirations.” Thank you all.
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