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www.federalwaymirror.com [ COOKS from page 30] words for the day,” Cooks said. “The kids love that. I’m just taking little quotes from my life experiences and passing them on. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Decatur, I don’t think I would be here today. I just love Decatur. I love the kids at Decatur. It’s one, big happy family. A lot of kids in school look forward to the weekends. But I wish we had school on the weekends because I love being here so much.” Brower has become very close to Cooks since the diagnosis. Brower calls him an amazing ambassador for Decatur, which is a pretty obvious fact after talking to Cooks. “There are things that aren’t M 1 Eigth.pdf 1 10/21/2013 within myGeoffery power to do when it
comes to Dom and his cancer,” Brower said. “But when he says that he wants to play football again, that’s something that’s within our power. How small of a thing is that? We wanted to make his wish come true.” “He is just always lifting everybody up,” Brower said. “He is just an inspirational kid. He has taught me to embrace every day and treat everyone with kindness.” Cooks has plans to go into motivational speaking after he beats cancer. He has already given talks at Saghalie Middle School and some elementary schools around Federal Way. “I’m just trying to make the most of my life,” he said. “I want to give back to kids and let them know that nothing is impossible. 2:53:28 PM “There are two things that I’m
very thankful for — Decatur High School and my tumor,” Cooks said. “I feel loved at Decatur and it makes me happy, and the tumor has taught me that tomorrow is not a promise and you have to embrace every day.” Cooks’ story continues the trend of bad news emanating from Decatur. The school has been hit with a streak of bad news over the past three years. In May, then-senior Pavlo Myronets was killed in a car crash on May 25 on Highway 167. Former Gator swim coach Rob Hill died in a plane crash in February 2012. In September 2011, junior Robert Harris was at a family barbecue when he drowned in Lake Tapps after trying to retrieve a football in the water. In June 2010, Decatur se-
Vote Geoffery McAnalloy Federal Way School Board We can make Federal Way Schools better! · Provide opportunity for maximum student achievement. · Involve parents and community in the education of our children. · Re-direct spending to focus on students and increase graduation rates.
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“The tumor has taught me that tomorrow is not a promise and you have to embrace every day,” said Decatur student Dom Cooks. CASEY OLSON, The Mirror niors Derek King and Nicholas Hodgins were killed when they were struck by a drunken driver on Interstate 5, just three days before their graduation.
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Decatur grad Emmanuel Franco, 21, was killed Dec. 29, 2010, after a drunken driver crashed into him at South 320th Street and Pacific Highway South.
Vote Carol Gregory For Federal Way School Board
• Ensuring all students succeed at their highest level. • Ensuring a community voice at school board meetings. • Ensure wise-spending for the education of all students. • Eliminating gaps in student opportunity and academics.
VOTE BY NOV 5!
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