collectively nothing.

Jack Lusk. Too many great things to say about one person. First of all, he was hands down the smartest kid I knew. I know he either got a 2400 or a damn near perfect score on his SATs.. and that was probably when he was 15.

I first met Jack in 9th grade, we were probably 14 or 15 years old. Freshman English class with Mrs. Levinson. I was probably 5’5” and weighing 130 pounds for wrestling. Jack was the biggest kid I had ever seen in school (besides Lavoy Allen at lunch). Beard was probably pushing 6 foot and had a full-grown man-beard. I had to ask someone if he got held back because he looked so fucking old. I was told, “No that’s Jack Lusk. He’s in 9th grade and he’s smarter than all of us.” I took his word for it.

As an assignment, our class had to complete a “How To” project and guide our fellow classmates step-by-step on anything we could think of from how to make toast, to how to launch nuclear codes. I put Nick Johnson in a spread-eagle and it got some laughs. Jack did how to ‘flick’ a frisbee. At the time I had no idea what that meant. About three years later, Jack, Bodey, Issac, Sacks and all the other frisbee guys took home an Eastern National Championship that no one thought they would do after the leaders of the 07 class had graduated. It was a huge deal.

After that class, Jack and I became friends. We’d hang out here and there, and he’d call every once in a while. When Jack went to Oregon for school we kept in touch, mainly through Facebook Chat. He let me know how Oregon was and asked me how West Chester was going. He seemed in his element; sunny weather and great buds everywhere. He seemed very happy.

This is how I will remember Jack. Smart as hell. All smiles all the time. Witty, hilarious kid. I just wish he would have found a way out of the darkness that has taken so many of our friends already.

I know you’re in peace Jack. We’re going to miss you man. Please help me on my exams kid, I know you’d ace them all. Love you, bro.

Rest In Peace Jackson Lusk. You were one hell of a person.