The Award That Means The Most

Meg Williams proudly displays the 2021 Andrew B. Swan Award.

Suzanne Williams

Meg Williams proudly displays the 2021 Andrew B. Swan Award.

Jaila Salley-Barnett, Guest Writer

This year, Athens Academy presented a new award to senior Meg Williams: The Drew Swan Award. Honoring the late Drew Swan, the award is presented to an Athens Academy student who illustrates the compassion and courage that Drew Swan lived by every day. Due to a skateboarding accident, Swan’s life was taken too soon. 

 “Winning this award meant a lot to me because of the impact Drew had on me along with the community. He was such a positive influence both in the classroom and on the athletic field,” Williams said.      

Countless people can testify to Swan’s impact on the community, but none more so than those who knew and loved him, such as Pat Cuneo, Athens Academy’s director of academic affairs.

Cuneo, a friend of the Swan family, knew how caring and selfless Swan was outside of school, particularly in helping with the nonprofit organization Extra Special People. He also recognized Swan’s commitment to his sister, Sam,  who has cerebral palsy. 

 “Imagine someone always positive and upbeat. He took care of his sister, and he didn’t have any expectation to have recognition. He always did things out of the kindness of his heart,” Cuneo said.  

He pushed everybody to give a little more, even the coaches. You always knew he would give 110%, and maybe more.

— Brian Olson

Doing good for others is a trait that made people love Swan. His actions manifested this philosophy, as well as his desire to live in the moment. 

Brian Olson, dean of upper school and basketball coach, knew Swan well both on and off the court.  

“He pushed everybody to give a little more, even the coaches. You always knew he would give 110%, and maybe more,” Olson said. 

The Drew Swan Award is a big part of the Athens Academy community, just as Swan was. This award will continue to live on along with Drew’s legacy and his impact on this campus.