PHOTO GALLERY: David Cook Homecoming
Beth Foraker won’t get to see her son on Mother’s Day.
But sharing him with more than 10,000 screaming fans was enough for the mother of “American Idol” finalist David Cook.
Foraker, who has flown to Hollywood every week for the show, spent Friday following her son around Kansas City during the homecoming celebration. Cook is in the top three on the show and returned to Kansas City for several appearances – culminating with a parade and assembly at his alma mater Blue Springs South High School.
“It’s not over with yet,” Foraker said following the assembly, moments before she, her family and her now-famous son were taken by limousine to Kauffman Stadium so Cook could throw out the first pitch.
Sitting in the front row of chairs on the make-shift stage, Foraker smiled as city and state officials bestowed numerous gifts on her son. To her right, her younger son Andrew smiled at his brother.
It’s because of Andrew that David auditioned for “American Idol” in the first place.
“Andrew has wanted to audition for a few years,” Foraker said.
So Andrew and David both auditioned, and Andrew couldn’t be more happy for his big brother.
“This is awesome,” Andrew said. “It is one of the best things.”
Earlier in the day, during a two-song performance at KC Live! in the Power & Light district in Kansas City, Cook thanked his little brother for encouraging him to audition.
“I was a little teary,” Andrew admitted.
It was during the same show in Kansas City that David named a few of his old chums – including Jim Harvey, an old friend from his days at Central Missouri State University.
Harvey stood in the middle of the crowd chanting his pal’s name repeatedly, cheering louder than most anyone in the packed facility.
“When he was in Axium (David’s first band) everyone knew he was going to be huge,” Harvey said. “It was just a matter of time.”
As David was escorted through the crowd at KC Live!, Harvey made a point to reach out to his friend.
For him, the guy he knew years ago hasn’t changed.
“He’s the exact same,” Harvey said. “That’s what I love about him. He was humbled by seeing all those people here.”
While the event at KC Live! may have been humbling for the 2001 Blue Springs South graduate, the events that followed left him speechless.
“I think maybe he’s just beginning to realize the impact he has on this community,” said David’s elementary school music teacher Fredalyn Gentry.
David surprised Gentry with a visit to her classroom at Thomas Ultican Elementary, the same school he attended. Every student gave a flower to their teachers, but Gentry didn’t get one until her husband Tom (public information officer with the Independence police department) escorted her former student in with a whole bouquet just for her.
“It’s just thrilling,” Gentry said. “It makes my heart sing.”
Like Harvey, Gentry doesn’t think David has changed since she last saw him. For her, seeing David doing so well is heartwarming.
“He seems really up and relaxed,” Gentry said. “Just having him here is just wonderful.”
