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Cheering Section

This page is dedicated to our present College Scholarship Winner

We consider each and every one of them Ambassadors for our

Athletes Kickin' Cancer program

Congratulations
Drew Beckie

2009
Champion Of Life
College Scholarship Award Winner

Arapahoe High School - Colorado
Varsity High School Soccer Player

Drew will play this Fall for
the University of Denver

Below you will find a copy of the letter written to us by Drew's soccer coach, Mark Hampshire
nominating Drew for our Champion Of Life College Scholarship Award. It is clear
that Drew is very special and cares about others, as he is involved in many different
volunteer activities. We hope Drew stays involved with his community and we know that he will be

a great inspiration to all who know him. 

Keep the faith!
Alex Avram

Be sure to scroll down to read my interview with Drew

             " It is without hesitation and with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Drew Beckie. As a teacher and coach, I am in contact with nearly one hundred fifty students each day. These students come with a wide range of personalities and abilities. One student-athlete that stands high above the crowd is Drew Beckie. I have known Drew for nearly three years, having had him in several classes and as a member of my varsity soccer team. As a student-athlete, Drew has excelled, every year being better than the last. Consequently he has transferred his dedication to the soccer field, his family, friends and volunteer commitments. Drew’s success comes from his ability to collaborate his many positive personally traits, and use them to achieve his goals. Drew is hard-working, persistent, goal-oriented, passionate and most definitely a leader. Drew has proven himself a leader in both his academics and his athletics. His example as a hard-working, involved student has inspired underclassmen to follow in his foot steps. He has never hesitated to take on a leadership role whether it is in or out of the classroom. As a senior Drew continues to challenge himself by completing a wide and rigorous schedule including physics and Advanced Placement Government. On the soccer field, where I know him best, Drew is the epitome of courage, stability and intensity. The younger players as well as the older players rally behind him; absorbing the positive qualities he shares and becoming better players as a result. Drew’s positive and encouraging attitude earned him the 2008 Varsity Offensive MVP Award. He was also selected First Team All-League and First Team All-State. His leadership helped the Varsity Boys Soccer team earn its Continental League Championship in 2006 and a semi-final birth in the State Playoffs. This year Drew played an important role in helping the team earn its Centennial League Championship. In addition to his efforts on the soccer field, Drew has spent countless hours volunteering helping those in need. He has worked at homeless shelters serving food, at the University of Colorado Denver Cancer Center and the Denver Kicks-University of Denver Charity Event for inner city kids. Drew is obviously a very compassionate young man who finds personal fulfillment in helping others. Drew will always represent to me the true meaning of success. Courage, ambition and perseverance are not traits easily taught; for Drew, these are innate. I am proud to have known this young man; integrity is hard to find in people these days; Drew lives his life with integrity. Drew is a very special person that has what it takes to be a leader and a success." ................. Coach, Mark Hampshire

Drew's Interview

1. How old were you when your Dad passed away from Melanoma?
I was eleven years old when my dad passed.

2. How long was he ill?
He battled melanoma for four years from 1997 through November of 2001.

3. In what ways do you think this changed you?
It changed me in almost every way. From every day activities to having someone to talk to man to man. 

4. How long have you been playing soccer and do you feel soccer helped
you through the difficult time of your Dad's illness?
I’ve been playing soccer for fourteen years and soccer has been a huge helping point in me getting through my father’s illness. He was my first coach so it has always been difficult to get over that.

5. Tell us about the support you have received from your teammates and coach.

I had a huge support system from my baseball team at the time of my father’s death. The team wore “GB” patches on their jersey’s in honor of him. Everyone on the team attended the funeral. Our coach Tom Anderson was a real father figure for myself after my dad’s death.

6. Do you feel it is important for young people to be

part of a sport and if so, why?

I believe it is very important for young people to be in a sport because not only does it relieve the energy you’ve built up all day but most importantly relieves stress. At first it was hard to go out and just think about the game and really concentrate on what I needed to do but eventually I was able to go out and do what was necessary to get my frustration out and really enjoy the game again.

7. I know you are involved in a many volunteer activities. How did you
first get involved with doing volunteer work and drives you to stay involved?

I first got involved with soccer volunteering when I was eleven. I worked a lot with 3 v 3 soccer games and helped teach strategy, etc. It was all for the kids and hopefully they learned important life lessons through soccer. I love being involved especially in soccer because I can share my story with others and hopefully drive them to be better, this is what drives me to stay involved.

8. Do you have any religious convictions and if so, how do you feel that
helped you through your Dad's illness and your every day life in general?
The church has really helped me get through this hardship that a lot of people throughout the world go through everyday. Fr. John Lager has been a huge part in getting my family through that hard time.

11. What advice would you give to an athlete who has a parent who has
just been diagnosed with cancer?
Take care of your family first and really spend time with your loved ones and family.  Family is the most important thing God can give and don’t let that go. Say a lot of “I love you’s” and just focus on what makes you happy and go do it.

12. If you could meet one famous athlete who would it be and why?

I would love to meet Michael Jordan or Ronaldo. Both have displayed great class and great legacies on and off the field.

13. Any other thoughts or comments you would like to share with us?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity for this scholarship and I apologize for the time it took me to do this. You guys have a great organization and I cant wait to be an ambassador for your organization.