“We wanted a community event to show Blake we are behind him so we organized a clap-out today and publicized it and the community showed up,” Graham Middle School Principal Chad Miller said. “That’s what Graham is about. It’s heart warming.”
Students and staff members from the school, local law enforcement and firefighters, community members and even Buckeye Man, the famous Ohio State football fan, lined the hallways and gathered outside the school to cheer for Blake.
“It felt good,” Blake said.
His family was behind him the entire time as he marched through the school.
“It means a lot, we live in the most amazing community,” said Amberly Barr, Blake’s mother. “The support has been phenomenal.”
Blake’s father, Ron Barr, also said the day was special.
“It’s pretty awesome to see everyone come out like this,” Ron Barr said. “Blake’s always been great with people and to see how he touched people’s lives before. And now we get to see everyone touch his life and get him motivated for what he is about to go through.”
The school district and the Champaign County YMCA presented the Barr family with several gifts, including donations for Blake’s treatment and gift cards for travel.
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