Dr. Charles R. Drew was the namesake of Atlanta’s first charter school. A sculpture of Drew was unveiled at the school on Feb. 25, 2016. Photo provided by Drew Charter School

Atlanta educators, local leaders, and students came together on Thursday, Feb. 25 to honor Dr. Charles R. Drew — the namesake of Atlanta’s first charter school. Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young spoke at Drew Charter School about Dr. Drew’s work as a doctor, medical researcher, and inventor.

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The school says Drew was “instrumental in developing blood plasma processing, storage and transformation therapy. His groundbreaking work has saved untold lives and paved the way for today’s American Red Cross blood program.”

The school focuses on STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Here are a few photos from the day, sent to Decaturish by Drew Charter School.

Students at Drew Charter School on hand for the ceremony honoring the school’s namesake. Photo provided by Drew Charter School

The Omega Psi Phi fraternity also paid tribute at the ceremony. Photo provided by Drew Charter School

Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young was a guest speaker at the Charles Drew sculpture dedication. Photo provided by Drew Charter School

Photo provided by Drew Charter School