During his time at Lane, Aaron Bennett was a drummer in the marching band and a star runner for the Lane Tech Track and Field team. He is most remembered for his enthusiasm, charisma, and infectious smile.

On Oct. 29, Bennett was shot and killed near the 2700 North block of Central Avenue. He was involved in an altercation while driving early that morning, according to DNAinfo.

“He was just always happy, he was always positive, he worked hard, he was just a good person,” said Ms. Lawrence, his British Literature teacher. “He was a joker — he liked to crack jokes and stuff like that, to make people laugh and smile.”

Aaron’s positive presence was felt throughout the school since his freshman year.

“He was just an outgoing, very sweet, and very generous person,” said Ms. Vale, his freshman English teacher. “He was truly a unique individual, very polite and very kind.”

Aaron’s positive and energetic attitude paired with the utmost respect for his peers didn’t go unnoticed.

“He was one of the friendliest people that I knew. He was so funny, and it was weird, because you wouldn’t assume someone would be goofy like that and have that same talent with music,” said Mark Capapas, Div. 757, a bandmate of Aaron’s during the 2014-2015 school year. “You couldn’t not smile when you were around him.”

“Aaron was always on time, he was always smiling,”  Mr. Flygt said, Aaron’s marching band director. “He’d be having a good time, but he still would not be talking and not interrupting people, he had an appropriate classroom mindset.”

To match Aaron’s positive attitude and respect came an abundance of natural talent, particularly in track and field. Although his time was divided with so many extracurricular activities, when he put forth his time and effort, his talent shined through.

“He was all over the place as far as being involved in different things,” said Mr. Roof, Boys Track and Field head coach. “What I remember most about him is his ability to just step up to the line and out-perform most.”

Aaron was met with praise from both coaches and teammates.

“I really looked up to Aaron,” said former teammate Max Obasiolu, class of 2016. “He embodied everything that I wanted to be as far as a track and field runner. He was confident, boisterous and he didn’t quit.”

In times of crisis, all we can do is continue have faith, and continue to smile and remember those we have lost in a positive light, so I invite you to smile and remember Aaron in a positive light.