Memorial Scholarship Honors Legacy of Kennedy High School Golfer

Published: August 8, 2014 | By: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation | Category:

Drew WallDrew Wall was the kind of kid you don’t easily forget.

 

He was a straight A high school student and an accomplished golfer. “His pride and joy was being on the Kennedy golf team,” said his dad, Doug Wall. “There was nothing more rewarding to him.”

 

Drew’s academic and athletic accomplishments are even more impressive considering the fact that he’d also been battling bone cancer since the age of 11.

 

“He never let that define him though,” said his mom Robin Wall. She said Drew chose to have his leg amputated early on and spent more than 200 nights in the hospital during his treatment. Despite health challenges, Drew always kept his spirits high and maintained a positive outlook on life. He became a public speaker, advocate and fundraiser for children battling cancer. “Drew taught everyone that life takes all kinds of twists and turns,” said Robin. “People were enthralled with his spirit.”

 

Drew’s golf teammates and coach were some of his biggest fans. Coach Mark Wilden and his teammates created “Just Drew It” t-shirts as a way to recognize Drew and show how much they cared. They began selling them to supporters and were amazed at the response. “It was unbelievable,” said Wilden. “Everyone climbed on board. It was touching to see how classmates and community members reacted to support Drew and his family.”

 

“This still makes us feel so blessed,” said Robin of seeing the purple t-shirts when she’s out and about. “I see the t-shirts all over the place and I tell the people wearing them I’m Drew’s mom.”

 

Sadly, Drew passed away at the age of 16. But his spirit and memory continue to live on through those that knew him, as well as through a scholarship fund administered by the Community Foundation.

 

“It was a no brainer for us to give back,” said Robin, noting that the community —including those at Madison Elementary, Taft Middle School and Kennedy High School —has always been so supportive of their family. “This is something Drew would be really proud of.”

 

His dad agreed, noting that the scholarship is awarded to a member of the Kennedy golf team each year who embodies all Drew lived for. “It’s really cool to have a chance to pass that on. The Community Foundation made it so easy to give back to a community that has been so supportive during our whole journey.”

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