Tribute to Kandyce (Kandy) Cowart

by Reba Gilman, Principal of Aviation High School

October 22, 2005

“The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious.  And why shouldn’t it be?  It is the same the angels breathe.”

                                                                                                                                    Mark Twain

I first met Kandy on March 19, 2005 when she interviewed for admission to Aviation High School.   And I knew at the very time that she would be someone I would long remember.  The smile on her face was huge and her laugh contagious.  And while we were supposed to be interviewing her, I got the feeling that she was looking deeply into who we were and what we stood for as she answered our questions.  The truth is, had she not answered even one question we would have felt Kandy’s presence in a very profound way.  There is no doubt in my mind that the air in that windowless room where we were conducting the interview actually lightened during the time we spent with Kandy that day. 

When I think of Kandy, I still see that angelic smile and feel her presence.  And somehow I sense that Kandy was our guardian angel, sent to watch over and protect us.  This past week many have commented that Kandy was an old soul—wise beyond her years and possessed with a grace and dignity that one seldom experiences in one so young. 

Kandy, I know you’re watching and listening right now, so I also have to share something else about you:  You are ONE SPUNKY ANGEL!  And for today, I’m going to excuse you from the dress code…you get to wear your pajamas for as long as you want! 

Kandy, your spirit fills this room today, just as it did every day at Aviation High School.  As your principal, I want you to know that your spirit has kept all of us going through this past week, and I promise you we WILL keep going, in memory of you and Brittany.  I remember how much you loved the slogan, “The sky is NOT the limit at Aviation High School!”  You were fearless and courageous in your pursuit of all that is possible in the world, Kandy.  I want you and your family to know that just as I sense that you are OUR guardian angel, we will be the keepers of your memory—with the same unconditional love that you and your family have extended to all of us.  And we’ll live more deeply and fully, just as you taught us to do by example.

You have new wings, Kandy—ones made of gold, ones that will allow you to truly experience “the air up there in the clouds that is so very pure and fine, bracing and delicious.  And why shouldn’t it be?  It is the same the angels breathe.”