Patrick Keefe graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 2015. He was an honors graduate, exceptional athlete known for his strength and grit, a natural leader, and a great friend. He went on to attend and play football for The Citadel.
In 2020, Patrick Keefe was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away on June 6, 2022, two years, to the day, after his diagnosis. At Monday night's School Board meeting, the Okaloosa County School District honored Keefe's legacy by approving the naming of the Choctawhatchee High School Football Weight Room, the Patrick Keefe Strength Complex.
Patrick requested that instead of flowers, any gifts honoring his life be made in the form of donations to be used for equipment, maintenance, and enhancement of the Choctaw weight room. Patrick's love of Choctawhatchee High School was evident then and is now a legacy.
Superintendent Chambers said, "Patrick is a man that left us too soon but absolutely left his mark on Choctawhatchee High School and the Okaloosa County School District." Frank Beasley, Head Football Coach, expressed his gratitude to the Board for approving this project and mentioned, "It was an honor to get to know Patrick over the last couple of years. His impact on our community was so great. One of the most important things throughout this whole process for our coaching staff and me was to make sure that he continues his legacy even though he's not here with us anymore, so our kids, our staff, and our school will know him, see him, and be able to see his name every day."
The family's goal was to raise a few thousand dollars on Go Fund Me. The campaign raised over $101,000! "That's incredible and shows the overwhelming love and support for Patrick," added Superintendent Chambers.
"The building is a tribute to 800 people that donated in his honor... who felt the pain. Let's celebrate him," said Dr. Lynn Keefe. "He has meant so much to so many people. On behalf of his wife Danny, my husband Larry, his brothers Robbie, John, and Max, and their wives and fiancés, we just want to thank you...It's such a wonderful thing to give back a little bit."
The facility will officially be dedicated on Friday at 6:45 PM in Joe Etheredge Stadium before kickoff at one of the biggest football rivalries in the state kicks off between Choctaw and Fort Walton Beach High School.