The Turn It Around Teenager Jonathan Roppolo is Today’s Honoree

During his lifetime, Jonathan Roppolo has taken obstacles such as limited speech and intellectual disabilities, and turned them into inspirational accomplishments.

With help from speech therapy and self-determination, Jonathan not only expanded his vocabulary, he won an area speech competition (sponsored by 4H) and later claimed third place at the district competition at the age of twelve.

Hands that seemed to belong to someone else, unable to cut paper with scissors, enabled him to win district, regional, and state 4H photography competitions.

Jonathan’s brother, Joseph, was diagnosed with autism in 2005. Jonathan busied himself learning more about the disorder, and educated people in the community. He has served as camp mentor for special needs children, and assisted the special needs population in how to advocate for themselves and others.

Currently, Jonathan is working toward his goal of being a speech therapist.

Listed below are his awards and accomplishments:

Awards, Recognitions and Accomplishments

2011–Capital Area Optimist Club

Outstanding Male Student in Community Service

2011–Daughters of the American Revolution

ROTC Medal

2011–4H Photography Contest

Local level: 2 blue ribbons; 1 red (2 photos advance to district)

District level: 1 blue; 1 red (both photos advance to state)

State level: Both photos receive blue ribbons

2010–Sons of the American Revolution

Bronze ROTC Medal

2010–Celebrate Freedom Foundation

Received award for outstanding academic excellence and cadet core activities.

Visit Jonathan’s Mother Debbie Roppolo for more information.