By Joseph Goral
Staff Writer
jgoral@mihomepaper.com
LAKE ORION — June 26 marked Lake Orion Community School’s first regular board of education meeting since long-time board member, community member, resident and business owner Steve Drakos’s passing.
Drakos died June 14 at age 62 after an extended battle with cancer. He was a Lake Orion Community Schools board member for 14 years.
Board members and assistant superintendents remembered Drakos, known for his kindness and willingness to help others in need, during the meeting.
“Steve brought a genuine passion and commitment to everything he did and was such a valuable member of all things Lake Orion as a parent, trustee and community member,” Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Adam Weldon said. “[He was a] great friend to all and will be greatly missed.”
Trustee Birgit McQuiston said in a written tribute that life can be long or short, but one’s legacy comes down to the lives that people touch and how they touch them; that it is said a life that touches others goes on forever.
“Steve was someone who lived by giving his life away,” McQuiston said.
McQuiston described Drakos’s ability to meet people and become their friends immediately, his love for his Greek heritage, giving gifts and “that more than anything else, he loved his family.”
Board President Danielle Bresett said everything Drakos did he did for his family. Bresett remembered walking into the board’s room and seeing Drakos wearing Superman cuff links.
Bressett told Drakos the cuff links were awesome, and Drakos said “my boys gave them to me.”
McQuiston said Drakos loved being a dragon, and that his children are Lake Orion Dragons.
“Did you know that the Latin word for dragon is ‘draco’ and that the Greek word for dragon is ‘drakos?’” McQuiston said. “Having the heart of a dragon, I think Steve lived up to his surname and he was a true dragon. A dragon that impacted us incredibly. A dragon that we will miss and never forget.”
As of June 28, the board will review applications for their open seat on July 2, and the new member will be sworn in on July 16 or July 17.