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Our Story
On a cold AND ICY Sunday morning on his way to basketball practice, Alex’s car slid off the road resulting in a terrible car accident. Despite a valiant effort, Alex succumbed 27 days later to the injuries he suffered. Alex lived an amazing life and fought hard…
Scholarships Awarded
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Alex Popeck
“Most people say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I like to make grape juice then sit back and watch them try to figure out how I did it.”
Alex’s Never Back Down Principles:
- Value others because everyone matters.
- Challenge peers to go beyond self-imposed limits to improve themselves.
- Strive for one’s best even when faced with challenges.
- See and Act; notice opportunities to help, protect and support people and act on them/do something about them.
Meet a Few of Our Scholarship Recipients
Giandra Taraji-Jaden West (Gigi)
I had to struggle in school; Alex’s Never Back Down philosophy taught me to not give up.
Grace Schuler
I’m paying my way through college so this scholarship will help me to continue Alex’s legacy through my education.
Our Mission & Vision
The Never Back Down Foundation is an organization established in the memory of Alex Popeck, a teen scholar-athlete, to influence teens to recognize that an individual can make a difference in their community. Specifically, the Foundation seeks to recognize teens who notice and act upon a challenge, injustice or need for change in their community, school or family.
The Foundation will raise funds via community-based events and other means to award scholarships to Montgomery County, Maryland high school students attending post-secondary educational institutions. The scholarship recipients will be recognized for demonstrating how they have made a difference in either their community, school, family, or an individual’s life by adopting Alex’s Never Back Down approach; to see and act. These Alex Popeck Difference Makers are recognized each spring.
Please consider donating to the Never Back Down Foundation. All donations are very much appreciated and go toward a great cause.
Scholarships Awarded
Dollars Awarded
Awarding scholarships to local Montgomery County high school seniors who best embody Alex’s humanitarian values and are making a significant difference in their family, school or community.
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