Chet at 17 and a senior

Chet was voted "Most Spirited" in his senior superlatives.Chet with his friend, Craig.

"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

Chet with his family meeting Joy's husband, Quin, for the first time in Florida. The family tried to impress Quin by appearing "outdoorsy and active" so they took Quin on a hike at O'leno State Park. Unfortunately, they didn't look like natural hikers when they admitted they were indeed very LOST!Chet with his family at his high school graduation ceremony.