Knapp to Students: Stick to Your Dreams

Carol Robibaro’s fourth grade students lined up to receive medals from Lex Knapp, a high school senior who for his weight class this past weekend.

“It was a big accomplishment for me,” Knapp told the students. “Even though I would have liked to take first.”

Knapp has been wrestling since he was five years old. As a Lacey native, he told the fourth-graders the importance of school and following your dreams.

“That’s a good mindset to have,” he said. “You want to take first in the classroom.”

Wrestling at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City in front of 10,000 people for states was Knapp’s dream, he said.

“I stuck to my dream. I worked hard,” Knapp said. “Whatever your goal or dream is, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.”

Knapp practiced five times a week with his school team, three times a week with his club team and twice with another coach, he said, explaining that accomplishing a goal takes time and sacrifice.

“It’s rewarding once you reach it,” he said, showing the students his silver medal. “It’s a big part of my life. Nothing is impossible in this world if you stick to it and work hard.”

Knapp continued to advise the students to respect the adult figures in their lives, including parents, teachers and coaches and to surround themselves with the right people.

“You want to make smart decisions,” he said.

The entire class rose their hands when Knapp asked who wanted to go to college. While one student wants to be a singer, others said they want to be artists and actors.

Everyone has the tools to achieve their dreams—hard work, respect your authority figures and surround yourself with good people, he said.

“I could have given up easy. Fighting and persevering is the hard part,” he said.

The fourth grade class isn’t allowed to use the word “can’t”, Robibaro said. The students wanted to give up on division but “it’s getting easier and easier.”

“Always stay hungry and want to get better,” he said. “This medal shows I have room for improvement.”

It's important to use "Lacey's finest" as resources, Robibaro said. "Why call in successful people from outside when we have them right here in Lacey?"

The students made a card for Knapp, which addressed him as “Triple Superstar Lex” since he is an accomplished wrestler, football player and student.

One student asked Knapp if he was nervous while competing.

“I’m always nervous,” he said. “But when my foot steps on that line, I block everything out. It’s like tunnel vision. Focus on your race, on what you’re doing.”

Knapp is now exploring college options, he said. He'll next be wrestling at senior nationals in April.

Jocelyn, a fourth grade student, said she learned “never say can’t.”

“You should never give up on your dreams,” Taylor, another student said. “Block things out and focus on what you’re doing.”

“When you want to achieve something, keep working hard,” Alex, another student said.