Our daughter Niki is graduating from Marlboro High School after four years that were marked by her recovery from numerous sports-related head injuries. She entered high school with a dream to play basketball. That dream ended early in her sophomore year when the doctors told her she would never play again. Devastated and forced to miss a great deal of time in school, she slowly returned despite many setbacks along the way. Now, as she gets ready to leave that part of her life behind, we would like to publicly thank some of the people who profoundly affected her.
We are grateful to Robin Shechter, the secretary who makes sure Niki is given advance warning about fire drills to avoid the potentially dangerous alarm, flashing lights, and crowds; to Karin George, the guidance counselor who changed Niki’s schedule at least a dozen times until it was a perfect fit; and to the handful of teachers who recognized her potential as well as her weaknesses. Special thanks as well to former Principal Jerry North for always keeping a watchful eye and convincing Niki to go to college.
Coach Brian Nash inspired Niki to remain part of the team, never once letting her feel she did not belong there, and continued without hesitation to acknowledge her contribution of spirit.
Not only does he lead his girls on the court, but he makes a conscious effort to be a good role model and prepare them for life after high school.
But through it all, the steadfast and unselfish deeds of athletic trainer Mark Bramble and Supervisor of Extracurricular Activities Dave Ryden literally pulled Niki out of the dark.
Mr. Bramble has been unwavering in his commitment to Niki and desire to help her emotionally. From the beginning, he keyed into the psyche of the student-athlete and demonstrated his knowledge and empathy for a true sports enthusiast who could no longer participate in anything physical.
He has encouraged Niki to become a youth spokesperson for concussions, and together they have improved awareness in our school as well as the sports community. Even when she is at her lowest point, his is the one voice that can pull her back up. How lucky for her that he possesses that ability.
Mr. Ryden’s strength, compassion and intuition give Niki the sense of security she needs when she is in school. He always knows where she is and is tuned in to how to protect her from anything that can harm her physically. His combination of wit and wisdom keeps her motivated and protected.
Without his presence, she would have been placed in potentially dangerous and demoralizing situations that would have compromised her recovery and hindered her return to normalcy. We are grateful every day that he is looking out for her well-being.
In a time when tight budgets and harsh economic times have made many of us angry, these individuals are still giving what is free to all of us. It is what drives them and steers our children.
Cathy and Howard Popyer
Marlboro