A Friend, Athlete, Classmate Remembered in Fairport
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: January 14, 2013
At Fairport High School, a sea of yellow blanketed what's known as Angel Hill.
"You can see the hill from almost every classroom and it's a special place that we can all come together," said Bethany Trippi, student.
News of the death of senior Blake Cognata spread quickly. Hugs were the main form of solace.
"It's a difficult day for our entire community," said Joe Fantigrossi, principal at Fairport Hig School.
"This helps everyone because even people that didn't know him are being touched by him," said Cole Puckett, a student.
Blake's classmates, teachers, and friends have rallied behind the young man with the unending smile.
"He was an incredible person how to fight with dignity and grace and we are all proud of him and his fight," said Fantigrossi.
He was fighting a rare cancer that spread to his bones.
"Kids aren't supposed to die from cancer it's not supposed to happen like that," said Trippi.
The football and lacrosse player was hospitalized last week.
Twitter and Facebook became a source of comfort for those close to him and those who barely knew him.
"A lot of people don't know Blake but after this kind of thing happens everyone starts to know him," said Claire Towey, a student.
Minnesota Vikings player Adrian Peterson called Blake in his hospital bed this week because of a viral Twitter post.
As Blake's school family grieves, they plan to follow the motto he lived by: "Find Your Strong".
"This is a celebration of Blake's life and he wouldn't want it any other way," said Fantigrossi.
Blake's 18th birthday would have been Monday, they planned to wear all yellow in his honor. they still plan to do that, counselors will also be on hand.
"You can see the hill from almost every classroom and it's a special place that we can all come together," said Bethany Trippi, student.
News of the death of senior Blake Cognata spread quickly. Hugs were the main form of solace.
"It's a difficult day for our entire community," said Joe Fantigrossi, principal at Fairport Hig School.
"This helps everyone because even people that didn't know him are being touched by him," said Cole Puckett, a student.
Blake's classmates, teachers, and friends have rallied behind the young man with the unending smile.
"He was an incredible person how to fight with dignity and grace and we are all proud of him and his fight," said Fantigrossi.
He was fighting a rare cancer that spread to his bones.
"Kids aren't supposed to die from cancer it's not supposed to happen like that," said Trippi.
The football and lacrosse player was hospitalized last week.
Twitter and Facebook became a source of comfort for those close to him and those who barely knew him.
"A lot of people don't know Blake but after this kind of thing happens everyone starts to know him," said Claire Towey, a student.
Minnesota Vikings player Adrian Peterson called Blake in his hospital bed this week because of a viral Twitter post.
As Blake's school family grieves, they plan to follow the motto he lived by: "Find Your Strong".
"This is a celebration of Blake's life and he wouldn't want it any other way," said Fantigrossi.
Blake's 18th birthday would have been Monday, they planned to wear all yellow in his honor. they still plan to do that, counselors will also be on hand.
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