Rockridge Community: ‘We Did it for Drake’

I never usually cry during the 10 p.m. news, especially during a sportscast. Last night, was an exception. Rockridge High School honored a fallen student and his family at a pre-game ceremony. People were dressed in blue, in honor of 14 year-old Drake DeKeyrel, with #dekeyrelstrong on the back. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house, including my own.

When I heard about Drake's passing on Christmas Eve, my heart ached for the parents, students and community. I grew up and graduated from Rockridge, and as a community, we have seen our fair share of student tragedies through the years. It never ceases to amaze me how this community pulls together during tough times like this. I was so proud of those Rockridge Rockets (way to go on your win guys!), the community, the families who poured out and loved the DeKeyrel family last night and all who have played their part in helping during such a time.

The DeKeyrel family was presented with the Rocket Basketball team's first-place trophy from the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament. Engraved on it: "We did it for Drake." A banner that was signed by the entire team was also presented to the family and will hang in the auditorium for the rest of the season.