"I was a freshman when Chet was a senior. I was chunky, dorky, and in Band. During one of the first football games of the year, my family (including my elementary-aged brother) were sitting in the stands, eagerly awaiting half-time. While I wasn't there myself to see what happened, there was apparently an incident where some of the other over-zealous students were particularly insensitive and unpleasant to my little brother, going so far as to physically push him out of the way.
As the story goes, Chet immediately gave them their "what-for's," and swept my brother up in a hug, dried his tears, and proceeded to seat him on his shoulders for half-time so he could try and see me while I was on the field.
I made it a point to thank Chet on the following Monday. He was so kind - most seniors don't deign to talk to freshmen, but he stopped in public to accept my gratitude. While we didn't talk again after, it was not uncommon for us to nod and smile if we passed each other.
My brother has never forgotten Chet's kindness, either. He openly mourned Chet's passing when he found out, as did I. Chet was truly a very special person, and was taken from his friends and family far too early. To this day, he recounts that tale with fondness, and has said many times that he has tried his hardest to pay that kindness forward, especially at football games. He never hesitates to make buddies with the siblings of football players, cheerleaders, and band members - often doing the same thing for them that Chet did for him - lifting them up high so that they can enjoy the thrill of seeing the person they love down on the field."
--Jacqueline Monck
The Rodgers' family loves their Christmas traditions.
On Christmas eve, the family gathers for a traditional dinner. Bells are placed above each person's plate setting. And all at once, the family "rings in Christmas." Then, each person opens an ornament before the meal.
All the children sleep in the same room together on Christmas Eve. Then, come Christmas morning, the kids gather outside mom and dad's bedroom to sing Christmas carols to wake them up.
The kids can not see the tree right away on Christmas morning because there is a sheet placed in front of the hall way door. To add to the suspense, the children are lined up youngest to oldest and close their eyes as they are led to the tree. Eyes still closed, the kids are handed their stockings and led back to mom and dad's bedroom to open stockings on the "big bed."
After all the stockings are opened, the kids are led again to the tree with their eyes closed. When everyone is lined up, the children could then open their eyes to see if Santa and Christmas had come! 
After the kids open their eyes in front of the tree they can look at all the gifts, but no one can actually touch the presents. Oh the suspense!!! Opening presents comes after breakfast: cheese grits, cheese eggs, cinnamon rolls, and orange juice.
Chet was voted "Most Spirited" in his senior superlatives.
