I’ve often shared how awkward and out of place I felt during my high school years.  Interestingly enough, we are celebrating our 30th Class Reunion later this year.  I can’t believe that it’s been that long since I made it through those days.  When I think about those days, it feels as though it was only yesterday.  Yet, I realize that I have literally come a very long way since 1979.

I received some sad news the other day that brought me back to my senior year in 1979.  I was told that one of my classmates, Jeffrey Cook, recently died.  Oh, the news shook me and shattered my heart.  I immediately recounted my memories of Jeffrey.  I remember very fondly that Jeffrey was possibly the nicest person I knew throughout my high school years, and possibly my entire life.  I am so serious, he was so nice.  He was genuine, decent, kind, considerate, smart, and extremely talented.  Jeffrey was an artist and a dancer.  He designed our senior year t-shirts.  I said to our classmate Charlotte (who told me the sad news) that I don’t even remember what subject it was, but for one class period during senior year, Jeffrey was in one of my classes.  We shared a table with 2 or 3 other students.  The other tables were generally of the “cool” kids.  The popular ones.  I always felt like an outcast, and I was honored that Jeffrey sat at a table where I was.  

There were also a few more students who didn’t easily fit in with the mainstream.  They would be considered as “nerds” (just as me), but they were really good people.  Jeffery was very kind and caring with all of us.  We had conversations that were deep and we all felt very comfortable and as though we actually mattered.

I was the writer.  Jeffrey the artist.  The others were bookworms (me too somewhat).  Because of Jeffrey, we felt at ease and not as though we were being judged and scrutinized.

I knew that in our presence was greatness in the embodiment of Jeffrey Cook.  I knew that he was gifted and talented.  I knew that he was a great person.  And those are the memories that I carry with me.  After graduation, I never saw Jeffrey again.  I never knew just how far Jeffrey’s talent brought him until I heard his name again and saw some of his artwork at a museum right in the heart of New Orleans.  The owner/curator (and dancer and artist), lovingly known as Mama G, told me that I was looking at the work of Jeffrey Cook.  I smiled and told her that I went to school with him.  I was so happy to see his work and was extremely proud of him. 

Little did I know of all of the work that Jeffrey has done.  Not until now as I read this article from the Times Picayune newspaper out of New Orleans.   It announces Jeffrey’s passing, but it also gives much more information about him and his work.  I encourage you to read it.

Jeffrey was a great soul.  I am happy for all that he’s accomplished in life.  But the selfishness in me is even more thankful for the beautiful spirit that blessed me during that most difficult senior year in high school.  I will NEVER forget that; nor will I ever forget him.

My prayers remain for the Cook family during this most difficult time.

Blessings!

Carla YOUNG Nix

McDonogh #35 Senior High School – Class of 1979 – New Orleans, LA

Go Roneagles!