CONSTANCE MILLS DREW

1989 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Connie competed for the Providence Central Boys’ Club Auxiliary in the late 1940’s.  She was named to the R.I. Coaches and Officials All State Team in 1950 for her performance in the 100 yard backstroke.

After graduating from Cranston High School, she attended Rhode Island College, graduating in 1950.  During her summer vacations from college, she taught swimming to young children.  Connie’s teaching on the Cape included instruction for the town recreation departments of Barnstable and Chatam.

After raising a family, she began extensive teaching for the Cape Cod YMCA and the Hyannis Yacht Club.  YMCA executive director Peter Dubay states unequivocally, “Connie Drew taught Cape Cod how to swim!”

During her thirty-five years of teaching swimming on the Cape, Connie demonstrated her genuine concern for all…from precocious preschoolers to energetic senior citizens.  In order to meet the varied needs of the community and her own needs, she attended many aquatic classes, clinics, and schools.  For over 15 years, she has been involved with several YMCA and Red Cross Aquatic Schools.  For the past 10 years, Connie has served on the staff of the Red Cross Aquatic School Camp Tevya in Brookline, New Hampshire.  She also conducts a five day water safety instructor clinic for camp personnel in the Cape Cod area.

She is recognized as an adapted aquatic professional, a specialty which entails working with those mentally and physically handicapped.  Recently she completed a program designed for instructors of people with arthritis, a course sponsored jointly by the National YMCA and the Arthritis Foundation.

Mrs. Drew is an enthusiastic and energetic leader in a fund raising drive to build a new aquatic facility for the Cape Cod YMCA.  Soon YMCA members and the Cape Cod community will enjoy their new facility designed for competition, recreation, and especially important to Connie, a pool designed for the Special Needs populaton.