Student leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter

Jaiden Herald | Co-Editor-in-Chief

The SHS community rallied together to honor the life of student Andre Cozart. After his passing, Cozart, a sophomore student, died on Nov. 8 at Scott Memorial Hospital. Soon after his death, Cozart’s passing was announced to the students and staff at SHS. Yet, despite the tears and grief, students sought out ways to display their support of Cozart’s family as well as honor his life and legacy.

The SHS cheer team competed at the state cheer competition on Nov. 9. As they walked on to the mat, they all took a piece of Cozart with them.

“In years past, when we made it to the state competition, we had always written encouraging words or words that describe our part on the team [on our wrists]. This year, we decided to all put ‘Cozart’ so we all knew he was encouraging us on our journey at state. We honored his name that day. We felt he was with us,” Katie Brown (12) said.

The team also raised $568 for Cozart’s family during the Brownstown game on Nov. 29. “It’s always important to help families in a time of grief. Every time I saw Cozart at school, he always had a smile on his face. He was extremely friendly, and I don’t think he ever met a stranger. Our community loved him for that,” Brown said.

On Nov. 11 and 12, students and staff wore stripes in honor Cozart. His family requested that those attending his funeral services wear stripes as they were Cozart’s favorite. Several students soon encouraged students and staff to do the same.

“[We] wanted the stripes to bring his joy and positivity to people’s minds, as well as remind everyone to love like Cozart,” Elle Fleenor (12) said.

In addition, Fleenor, owner and operator of a small clothing retail business, donated half of her November profits to Cozart’s family to help with funeral expenses.

“I don’t remember many details of interactions I’ve had with Cozart, but what I’ll always remember is how he made me feel. He was always so positive and always left me with a smile on his face. I know his loss is painful for a lot of people, and I wanted to help out in any way I could. For the month of November, I chose his family as my charity,” Fleenor said.

Teacher Leah Anne Becker said Cozart’s favorite foods to have each day were bananas and apples.

“Every day he was so concerned about his momma. He would want to take an ap- ple and a banana home to her everyday,” Becker said.

In the days following his passing, Becker’s class made apples, and dip, and banana pudding to honor Cozart.

“Cozart was a great friend and a great person. We say he leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter,” Becker said.

Becker’s class also made hats and celebrated a “Hat’s for Cozart” day in his memory.

“Cozart was feisty and fun. He never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face. He made a special connection with everyone he met. He cared about everyone and was so concerned with making sure everyone else felt special,” Becker said.

Becker said Cozart’s affection and love was often shown in the form of teasing. “[Cozart] remembered details about every person he met and would tease each and everyone about something different. It’s how he made his own connection with everyone. What makes his loss so hard is that everyone loved him. He was every- one’s friend,” Becker said.

According to Becker, his favorite peo- ple to tease was the special education staff. “Cozart liked to call Mr. Dunn, ‘slick.’ He loved baking with Ms. Betty, and Carolyne Davis, whom he called “CD,” was his special partner. He loved our staff, and we loved him,” Becker said.

Cozart was a member of the First Christian Church and a member of the Scott County Special Olympics bowling team. In addition, Cozart was a participant in the recycling club. Thursday was Cozart’s favorite day as it was garbage day.

“He loved recycling and pushing the paper cart around. It was his favorite part of the day,” Becker said.

According to Becker, he wanted to be a garbage collector when he grew up.

“We want everyone to remember his legacy of love and laughter and continue to honor him by loving as he did,” Becker said.