Terry Drake '78: 2021 Alumnus of the Year

Congratulations to Terry Drake '78, this year's Alumnus of the Year for Fort Worth Christian School

Congratulations to Mr. Terry Drake, Class of 1978, who has been named the 2021 Fort Worth Christian School Alumnus of the Year.  Terry will be honored at the Homecoming game this Friday night.  The on-field presentation will be made at the end of the 1st quarter and also live streamed at fwclive.tv. 

Terry truly embodies the vision of Fort Worth Christian for a life of faith, service, and leadership for Christ. “Terry is one of the most humble men I have ever met,” said Head of School, Dr. Misty Overman. “Listening to him tell of the influence of FWC in his life, knowing he was poured into by the FWC community then, and now knowing he pours back into his community is truly a testament to the power of God’s plan.”

Terry is an experienced and inspirational leader on and off the football field. He has been a part of four Class 4A State Championships and named Coach of the Year in both Florida and Texas. Off the field, Terry has been a successful business entrepreneur in the health-care industry and a non-profit leader as the founder and CEO of Drake Athletics, serving and training at-risk children to make positive life decisions to achieve their dreams and transform their lives. 

Continuing to impact the lives of students, Terry currently serves as the Area Director of FCA for Southwest Broward County, Florida. After graduating from FWC in 1978, Terry continued his football career at Harding University and then played professionally for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League. As a member of the National Football League Player Association (NFLPA) he continues to be actively involved in the industry. He has served as a coach and director of athletics for 35+ years developing student athletes and training coaches. Through his speaking, life-coaching, and mentoring, Terry empowers others to pursue their dream and impact lives!

When Terry arrived at Fort Worth Christian, he experienced FWC’s mission of being known, loved and valued. "In an era where there was not much diversity in schools, I was welcomed by the administration, staff, and coaches with open arms,” said Terry.  “But most importantly, I was welcomed by my classmates and teammates! And from that day forward, my life was forever changed!"

James Bankes ‘68, former member of the FWC Board and Alumnus of the Year in 1994, watched Terry for many years at FWC and beyond. “Terry was probably the first Cardinal to play at the professional level. He has terrific testimony of how FWC saved his life. Terry has been a great ambassador for FWC throughout his life.”During his years at FWC, Terry was Class Favorite all four years of high school, voted as Class President and Student Council and as well as serving as Key Club Vice President for two years. Not only being voted Most Witty, during his senior year, Terry was voted Most Athletic and Best All-Around. Terry was exciting to watch on the gridiron, earning All Area for two years, and Player of the Year all four years. Terry was awarded the Fighting Cardinal Award his senior year.

One of Terri’s classmates, Jenni (Felps) New of North Richland Hills, offered this perspective. “Terry Drake was a huge gift to FWC & to the class of 1978. He single handedly delivered to us true school spirit...he brought us together. Obviously, he was a tremendous athlete but wasn’t too cool to welcome all of us into the circle with him. Terry was loved by students younger and older than him. It wasn’t just coaches who loved him but teachers & staff. He was hilarious and hard working. When I hear his name, I smile. TD #32, love you.”

We proudly recognize Terry Drake ‘78 as the 2021 Fort Worth Christian Alumnus of the Year!

PAST RECIPIENTS: 

1986-1987 - Dr. Kelly Felps

1987-1988 - Ann Bankes

1988-1989 - John Michener

1989-1990 - Donna Davis

1990-1991 - Jeanette Cruce

1991-1992 - Jay Bailey

1992-1993 - Lance Barrow

1993-1994 - Suzanne Johnson Fox

1994-1995 - James Bankes

1995-1996 - Bobby Duke

1996-1997 - Peter Setimela

1997-1998 - Mark Barrow

1998-1999 - Mark Samsill

1999-2000 - Mark Woodward

2000-2001 - Peggy Hunt

2001-2002 - Keith Alexander

2002-2003 - Kevin Walters

2003-2004 - Kelli Goodrum

2004-2005 - Jenni New

2005-2006 - Curtis Fuller

2006-2007 - Nika Maples

2007-2008 - Kelly Jeffrey Vaughn

2008-2009 - Roy Deaver, Jr.

2009-2010 - Sue Baldwin

2010-2011 - Stephen Bailey

2011-2012 - Jan Blackburn

2012-2013 - Marva Riddle

2013-2014 - Jimmy Paul

2014-2015 - Gay Walters

2015-2016 - Mark McKinney

2016-2017 - Len Wade

2017-2018 - Becky Jeffrey Brooks

2018-2019 - Brad Leffler

2019-2020 - Eric Freeby

2020-2021 - Jamie Ridgell