OUR STORY
It’s what defines us, it’s what sets us apart.
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 for many of the special things he accomplished at such a young age.
Alex, a 17 year-old junior at Sherwood High School, was an outstanding scholar and athlete who was honored to be named captain of both his track and cross country teams. Alex adopted the phrase “Never Back Down” to define his attitude toward life and led by example as a competitive athlete and honor roll student. Although a great athlete and honor roll student, Alex was most proud of his accomplishments in his community, and his efforts to reach out and stand up for others was where he truly made a profound mark in life.
Alex’s joyful exuberance and attitude toward life were unique gifts and drew people to him … both young and old and across all boundaries. Quick with a warm smile and kind word, Alex made everyone feel special and better about themselves. He genuinely cared about the people in his life and made sure every teacher, coach, teammate, competitor and classmate knew they mattered and were valued. Alex’s approach to life was a shining example of how one person could positively impact others by sharing his values and his were simply love, kindness, respect and compassion for all.
In keeping with Alex’s memory and spirit, the Alex Popeck “Never Back Down” Foundation raises funds each year to benefit students graduating from high schools located in Montgomery County, MD. Each spring, college scholarships will be awarded to selected seniors whose applications best embody Alex’s qualities of caring, compassion, humility, honesty and his “Never Back Down” attitude.
The Foundation will generate funds by organizing fun, community-enhancing events that will generate goodwill and the capital required to accomplish its goals.
Our Board of Directors:
- President – Lynne Absher
- Treasurer – Charlotte Roby
- Co-Chairman – Betsy Absher-Popeck
- Co-Chairman – Bart Popeck
Questions?
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Alex Popeck “Never Back Down” Foundation, please direct them to AlexPopeckNBD@gmail.com.
You can help support the Foundation’s work by joining our mailing list, donating, and joining us at our upcoming events! Thank you for visiting our site.
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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