ST. PARIS – Graham Elementary student Blake Barr wears his Bengals cap with pride. His favorite sport is football. His favorite teams are Ohio State and the Cincinnati Bengals, and he’ll tell you so! His favorite Bengals player is Archie Griffin and his current favorite OSU player is Nick Bosa. He knows his Ohio football well.

Blake is a 10-year-old fifth grade student in Mr. Carey’s class. He lives in St. Paris with his parents, Ron and Amberly, and sister, Maddy, and he is battling a rare form of cancer.

Blake has two dogs he loves, Sammy and Mia. He loves to read and enjoys language arts.

He also enjoys video games. Now, Blake is turning his attention to tackling the cancer he fights.

On Sept. 22, his fellow students will stand united with Blake during a clap out activity at 3:15 p.m., to show their support in his ongoing fight against cancer. Students will line the hallways as Blake leaves for his treatment trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The family will be staying there for an extended period to ensure Blake receives the best treatment he can get.

Graham staff have devised an academic support plan for both Blake and his sister and will help the family as Blake tackles his challenge.

Announcements about Blake and the plan to support him will be shared via announcements at home football games. Community, staff and students can show their support with bracelets with the message “Team Blake,” sold for 40 cents a wristband.

Graham staff and students wish the Barr family best wishes and encourage community members to do the same as we all help Blake kick cancer!