 Tom and Sheryle Drake |
Alumni Tom Drake, GR’71, and Sheryle Drake, ED’67, were recently honored with the YMCA of Greater Des Moines 2006 Service To Youth Award. The award commends the Drakes for their 34 years and countless volunteer hours to the non-profit organization.
Tom, assistant professor and director of student teaching in the School of Education, began his volunteerism in the early 1970s with his eldest son at the South Suburban YMCA. The family’s commitment to the organization flourished and Tom, as the Nation Chief in Indian Guides, coached youth basketball and was honored as South Suburban YMCA Volunteer of the Year. Tom began his teaching career in Norwalk and after teaching in West Des Moines and Des Moines community schools, retired in 2004. In her numerous community service hours, Sheryle served on the board of managers, volunteered for numerous campaigns and in 2002, retired from her position as Membership Director.
Since their involvement in the YMCA, the Drakes have contributed to the growth of the South Suburban facility and have been honored for their influence in the Drake community. In 1998 the Drakes were the South Des Moines Citizens of the Year by the South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. In 2005 Tom received Drake University’s Double D Award, which recognizes former Drake athletes for their community service.