The last time Drew Fries took a day off from school, he was a fourth-grader at Springfield Plains Elementary School.
Now a graduate in Clarkston High School’s Class of 2008, he attended more than 1,400 days of school without missing any, despite occasionally being under the weather and a broken collarbone at high school football practice his junior year.
‘I made a nice catch, but the strong safety made a nice hit and my shoulder took the weight,? he said.
He was recognized for perfect attendance in the fifth grade, and saw no reason why he couldn’t do that every year..
‘I considered school my job,? he said. “It helped that I like school. I enjoy being there. All my friends are there. Call me a nerd, but I like to learn.”
He set the goal himself, no pressure needed from his parents, Derrick and Denise Fries, Derrick said.
“It’s a pretty extraordinary feat,” he said. “Through middle school, high school, he stayed focused.”
Life is about opportunities, Drew said.
“Are you just going to go to school, or are you going to be a part of school. I like being a part of it.”
He’s set to attend Michigan State University in the fall, majoring in math.
His goal is to earn his Ph.D. and become a college professor, like his father, who teaches at Eastern Michigan University.
“I’ve always enjoyed math,? Drew said. “But not as much as I enjoy people. I don’t want a job where I’m cooped up in an office ? I want something where I’m interacting with others.?
Teaching fits the bill, especially at the college level, he said.
“The more education you have, the more secure you’ll be,? he said.
Other goals are to be a supportive friend, loving husband, and caring father.
“Teaching’s flexible schedule would help me do all three,” he said.
He hasn’t decided where he’d like to settle after earning his degrees.
‘I like to plan, but I don’t know where my life is going,? he said.