New ‘Idol's’ hometown shows him the love

updated 8:38 p.m. ET May 22, 2008

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - The mood was surprisingly low-key Thursday at David Cook’s high school a day after his “American Idol” win.

“I think everybody is celebrated-out from last night,” said Angela Hart, who helped organize a viewing party of Cook fans on Wednesday, when the 25-year-old Blue Springs native beat teenage crooner David Archuleta by 12 million votes to become the seventh “American Idol”.

Or it could be that the seniors were finished for the year on Wednesday.

In the front office, secretaries shared their memories of Cook and wore black T-shirts proclaiming him as the “American Idol” champion. “We’ve had David Cook enthusiasm here for weeks now,” said secretary Karen Sturges, who was decorating an office bulletin board that will read “David Cook Is Our Idol” when she’s through.

Blue Springs South activities director Mark Bubalo said school officials are waiting to hear from “Idol” organizers before planning an official celebration for Cook, who graduated from the school in 2001. But he said he did hear fireworks in his neighborhood after Cook was announced the winner.

“Usually that’s reserved for the Super Bowl or World Series championship,” he said. “But David Cook got the love last night.”

Cindy Wood, who taught Cook in English when he was a senior, described him as a genuine person who has stayed connected to his roots.

“I would be surprised if this changed him,” she said. “I really see him staying close to who he is.”

Shirt money supports cancer charity
Blue Springs definitely showed its loyalty to Cook on Wednesday night, with many residents gathering with friends and family to watch the Idol finale.

Things were extra busy downtown at the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, where phones wouldn’t stop ringing with fans wanting to order Cook T-shirts.

Slide show   "Idol" season 7 finale The stars turn out as David Cook beats David Archuleta for the "American Idol" crown. more photos

“This has been a blast,” Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Whisler said. “I’ve never had this much fun in the 18 years I’ve been with the chamber. ... I haven’t had an hour of quiet time for three weeks now. And I hope it continues. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Some of the money from the shirt sales is being donated to the American Cancer Society — a benefit that is important to Cook, whose older brother Adam is battling advanced brain cancer. So far, the city and school district have raised more than $30,000 for the cancer charity.

Along Missouri 7 — a main stretch in Blue Springs — a restaurant, a paint store and other businesses displayed messages Thursday in support of Cook. One read “Blue Springs. Proud. David Cook Rock On.”

At Thomas J. Ultican Elementary, where Cook spent his younger years, a banner that the students made for the singer hung in the front window and photographs of Cook also were on display.

The purple and white sign on music teacher Fredalyn Gentry’s classroom door reads “David’s First Fan.” Gentry, who has been at the school 24 years and was named its Teacher of the Year this year, has been mentioned several times by Cook as having an influence on his musical aspirations.

“You never know,” said Gentry, her room’s walls covered with photos of Cook from grade school to now. “How many thousand children have gone through this school, and you don’t know the impact you’re going to have on a life?

“It’s so rewarding. To have someone say how much they appreciated it, that is worth it all.”

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