Senior fights to keep first place after illness

From a young age his grandfather encouraged him to succeed in school, motivating him to get the grades that have catapulted him to the top of his class.

He was unstoppable.

But now not even this dedication is enough to bring him back to school, not as long as his vigorous stomach infection persists.

“I don’t feel well most of the time; I have good days and bad days, but I get nausea and headaches and it’s not too pleasant. I haven’t been to school since before Thanksgiving break,” senior Tyler Copus said.

While Copus was first in his class at the end of last year, since then he has missed so much school due to illness that his grades and rank remain undetermined as he transitions from school to home instruction.

The absences first became noticeable last year when he would miss a week or two at a time. His friends and teachers knew something was wrong, but nonetheless he maintained his grades with help outside class.

“My teachers were great about helping me out,” Copus said. “They were willing to go the extra mile because they knew I was passionate about school.”

Copus credits his grandfather with instilling this dedication in him from long before he fell ill.

“My grandpa has also been influential, always expecting more from me,” Copus said. “He doesn’t get upset, but always pushes me a little farther because he understands I have potential that, if used, can go far.”

But despite this motivation, the illness has taken its toll on him, not only physically but emotionally and socially. Counselor Ray Elbin has seen a change in Copus during their almost daily communication as they attempt to work out his schedule.

“He’s not as chipper as he used to be,” Elbin said. “He’s more anxious about school and health since he has a lot on his mind. He’s just not as fun-loving. This is an anxious time for most seniors, but it’s magnified for Tyler.”

Classmate senior Michael Cosiano has witnessed Copus fall more and more ill, going from having nearly every class with him two years ago to barely seeing him now.

When the two were sophomores, Cosiano often worked with him on science labs and school projects, through which he became well aware of Copus’s intellectual drive.

“He took a lot of pride in being valedictorian and keeping that title,” Cosiano said. “But he’s still the smartest in our grade.

“I hope he is able to come back and get his grades back and everything he has worked for the past three years.”