Drew Wall is a student of Kennedy that will always be remembered for his courage, strength, and of course, his smile. Drew’s smile always filled the hallways of Kennedy.
Drew Wall passed away peacefully, Monday, Nov. 26 in his home after suffering from cancer for most of his life. Drew’s wish for his final minutes was to be at home surrounded by his family.
Drew Wall is a true to inspiration to me. His strength and his positive attitude really make me think: why do I go through life not smiling? Drew was going through chemotherapy and suffering and still had a smile on his face at all times. Drew’s smile would brighten up our whole day.
I remember meeting Drew at freshmen orientation. Many students were staring at him wondering, why does that boy have a prosthetic leg? But Drew didn’t care if they stared; he had the biggest smile on his face and was so excited to be a Cougar. For the rest of the school year, every time I saw Drew his smile was there, it never faded.
I understand why Drew was so excited to be a Cougar. It’s honestly an amazing feeling to know we are a part of Kennedy High School. Look at the whole school wearing purple today– teachers, students and staff members are all dressed in purple from head to toe to support Drew Wall and his family.
Drew’s positive attitude, strength and courage impacted his teammates as well. Drew was a member of the golf team who finished second in the state. Drew loved the game of golf and loved his teammates and coaches. The golf team dedicated their district meet to Drew and that was really something special. And of course, all through golf, no matter how Drew was playing that day, he had a smile on his face.
Drew is an inspiration. He touched the lives of many at Kennedy, as well as in Cedar Rapids. Drew’s strength was incredible, but to me Drew’s greatest quality was his positive attitude. His smile and his courage to live life to the fullest is truly inspiring.
Even when we’re fighting our toughest battle, we need to remember to smile, just like Drew. Just Drew it.
Mike Murdock • May 27, 2021 at 9:51 am
Lydia…I’m just seeing this post that you wrote about Drew. What an amazing person and inspiration Drew was for not only the “Cougar Nation” , but all of Eastern Iowa, and beyond the state lines. I will never forget Drew’s amazing presence and positive outlook on things, even when he was battling to get through each and every day. I know that I learned a lot from Drew and the entire Wall Family during this time. I’ll never forget the night that the gym at Kennedy was packed on that Friday night in December 2012, with fans from Wash and Kennedy wearing the purple “Just Drew It” shirts, to show their support and respect for such an amazing person and family. #JUSTDREWIT!!
Natalie Niemeyer • Nov 27, 2012 at 3:00 pm
This is very well written. Thanks for sharing.
Kelly Sass • Nov 27, 2012 at 12:55 pm
Beautiful article, Lydia. Well stated!
Shelly Galbraith • Nov 27, 2012 at 12:19 pm
This is a beautiful piece Lydia…I know it must have been very difficult to write. It is a wonderful tribute to Drew. Hats off to you for taking your own advice…smile through the tears and just Drew it!
Julie Stewart • Nov 27, 2012 at 11:58 am
Great article Lydia. Well put!
annette martin • Nov 27, 2012 at 11:20 am
Wow, we can all be thankful to have known Drew and how he touched our lives! Lydia, you are so correct, he IS an inspiration even when he is no longer among us on earth!
Thanks for making my day!