Share a favorite memory, story, or moment below to keep Bennett's legacy alive!
Stories (60)
Guest
Sometimes, when I see something beautiful like a sunset, I'm overcome with a deep calmness and appreciation for this world. In these moments of serenity, my mind drifts to Bennett. I know that even through all the pain we've been through, there is still beauty in this world, and I think that's his sign to us that he's still out there somewhere. Until we meet again, what a day it will be. I love you Benny Bo
Like
Brody Campbell
I had the pleasure of being on the Model UN team with Bennett over the span of two years at STA. I could probably say a million great things about him but I’ll stick to this one story that I think really encapsulates the kind of guy and competitor that he was. We both got selected to travel to the University of Florida for a conference the winter of our senior year, and after we landed, most of the guys on the trip were messing around and not focusing on the actual conference. Bennett and Sam Fulton were the two guys who weren’t. Every second that I was around them they were practing their speech and making sure that it was better than any other speech given at the conference. I think that after the 48 hours leading up to the conference, I had memorized Bennett and Fulto’s speech more than my own. They were so adamant on success and a perfect opening speech, and when it came time, they executed perfectly. After the conference, our flight was delayed and then canceled and we found out that Delta would be comping us with a very nice hotel stay and food vouchers. We arrived to the hotel after a long day without any food and decided that we would use these food vouchers at the ritzy steakhouse inside the hotel. Bennett and I somehow heard that these vouchers did not have price limits on them and we immediately began to feast on steaks, salads, and every dessert imaginable. We found out the next morning that this food was actually not comped and our advisor for the trip, Mr. O, looked like he was about to faint. It ended up being sorted out and we got home safely, but not without a talking to and a few hours of panic. I’m so grateful for my time at STA with him and the rest of the guys. Thinking about you today, love you BK!
Like
Jen Fritz
So many things make me think of Bennett! Our family misses him and thinks of him often. I will always think of him when I see a beautiful sunset or when I’m at the batting cages, or really anytime I’m at STA. His presence is still felt in the halls of the school. His energy, leadership and fierce competitiveness made him a joy to be around. Miss you Bennett!
Like
Robbie Wollan
I remember being the backup catcher to Bennett in my junior year of high school. In most cases, one might become frustrated that someone else has the opportunity to play the sport and they don't. This was not the case for me. Sitting behind Bennett was one of the greatest things to happen to me. I struggled a lot during my junior year, but showing up every day in the spring to watch and learn from Bennett, not only as a baseball player but also as a man will be a memory I will cherish for a long time. He always had a question. He would ask Mr. Meisch countless questions in our AP Biology class, always wanting to know more about medicine and the human body. He would be challenging our whole Model United Nations Team to advance their skills as our club's Head Delegate. He would always try and find better ways to communicate with his teammates on the field to ensure the team would succeed. In that spring of 2023, I truly saw the impact that Bennett had on other people. He made everyone around him better because he wanted to see you succeed more than himself. His selflessness, dedication, and ability to light up every room made him such an incredible role model for everyone he came in contact with.
I will always remember the 2023 STA Baseball game vs Cretin. The massive rivalry drew a huge crowd to the UofM field and it was one hell of a game. Around the 7th or 8th inning, Bennett took a foul ball right in between his legs when he was catching, so hard that even his athletic cup could not be of much support. He went down and stayed down for a while. A few guys glanced over at me, assuming I should be up and moving, getting ready to go into the game to fill in for him. But, the entire coaching staff along with myself knew that Bennett was not coming out of that game. He was not going to give up on his brothers that easily. Almost the entire dugout knew that Bennett was strong enough to get back up and compete for the team and school he loved so much. Not many people would be able to continue to play after taking such a blow, but Bennett finished out the entire game.
I feel like this game perfectly encapsulates who Bennett was. The whole team wanted to rally around him, and there's a reason for that. His leadership, joy, competitiveness, and authenticity were infectious. He would never let anyone down, and if he somehow did, he would vow to be even better than before. Nothing would ever come in his way of being a part of something bigger than himself. He wouldn't half-ass things, especially when he was doing something for someone he loved and cared for. And to Bennett, everyone he met was deserving of this love and care.
Looking back a year after you passed, the impact you had on my life and so many others is even more visible than ever before, and we all hope to continue carrying on your legacy.
Love you brother.
-Robbie Wollan
LLBK
Like
Guest
One of my favorite memories of Bennett was in English class when he hit his funny bone on the desk and couldn’t stop laughing, ended up getting kicked out of class and had to meet with the teacher, but ended up coming out laughing even harder than before. It always reminds me to look at life in a good way, even if bad things are happening, you can always laugh.
Like
Guest
Something that Bennett's incredible spirit has taught me is to truly be present with the people God places in your life, and to give yourself in everything you do. I've been trying to live more like that now, and I can honestly say that every single day Bennett's life continues to change mine. I hope that I can become half the person that he is. ❤️
Like
Guest
“In a sky full of stars…I think I see you.”
BK#1 Forever in our Hearts
Edited
Like
Guest
There has never been a sunset where I don’t think of you BK❤️
Edited
Like
Noah Schultz
in the cafeteria at STA, you know that one area is always packed full of people: the toaster on April 18th, 2023, Bennett continued his legacy of being a leader when he saved that toaster and a freshman from the wrath of Mr. Hager, as somehow the freshman lit the toaster on fire, at the time, several other older cadets and I chuckled a bit eager to see it unfold, but Bennett jumped into action, quickly going in to solve the problem because that was the type of MAN that Bennett was, he was the epitome of what a modern man should be, he dived into the problem, even though he wasn't in line, he reached into the fire simply to help his younger brothers and the school he loved. as small and as silly as this situation is i think its a great example of what Bennett was all about, helping others, selflessly
I miss you brother, until next time
love, respect & God bless
Like
Sam Fulton
One of my favorite videos of Bennett showing his love of the outdoors and fishing.
Like
Carrie Erickson
Happy Heavenly Birthday Bennett! Everyone misses your friendship and your million dollar smile! Thank you for being an outstanding human💙
Like
scott_cole
When I think of Bennett, it’s not words that come to mind, it’s a number: 100%
No matter the situation, you always got 100% from Bennett.
Sports: 100% effort.
Religion: 100% faith.
Family and friendships: 100% love.
Character: 100% authenticity, honesty, integrity, empathy, determination, compassion, humility, kindness, generosity, etc…we all know the list could go on forever.
Never 99%. 100% all the time, every time. What a special person.
The picture is from a basketball tournament in 2015. We won our bracket and received the medal that Bennett has around his neck. However, as we were getting ready to leave the facility, the tourney director stopped us and said there is a “Super Championship” and that we would play the winner of another bracket. We won that game as well and received the cool trophy Bennett is holding. 100% champion too.
What’s remarkable is that Bennett never had to be the best player on the court (although he often was), because his greatest gift is that he made everyone else around him better. On and off the court. Still does. Always will. 100%
Like
Guest
Twelve years ago my father passed after his battle with pancreatic cancer. After the services, I talked with my brother about some ways we might honor his memory and keep him alive in our thoughts. We decided to attempt to climbing his favorite mountain in Colorado, a place we had visited a number of times growing up. Long's Peak isn't the tallest mountain in the state, but it might be the most impressive and certainly among the most dangerous. My dad tried to summit that mountain three times and never made it. Together, my brother and I made the commitment to do whatever we could to take some of his ashes to the top and spread them there, leaving a piece of him in a place that was so special to him. Every year since I have traveled to mountains around the world, and I have taken my dad with me each time.
Bennett knew that story well. We talked many times about climbing adventures, and my dad, and Bennett was always asking questions and genuinely interested. It is one of the things that I loved most about him . . . he took the time to get to know someone, and showed he cared by taking an interest. I remember him saying after I showed him some pictures once that he would have loved to see with his own eyes some of the places I had seen, and he laughed after I told him he would probably throw up twice before falling off a cliff because of altitude sickness. It was a joke; there was nothing Bennett could not do once he made up his mind.
This summer my uncle Tony, dad's brother, passed as well. To honor him I once again planned a trip to Long's Peak to spread some of his ashes next to his brother at the summit. This time I took Bennett with me. There were several points where I felt like quitting, for a variety of reasons that included being a lot older now and needing things like oxygen. But when I looked down at the band around my wrist I was reminded of a guy who, to my knowledge, had never seen the summit of a mountain but absolutely wanted to. It's the kind of thing that keeps the legs moving when the mind says stop. We made it, and I have never seen the Rocky mountains on such as beautiful day as that. It's hard to imagine ever looking at the mountains again without being reminded of my dad, my uncle, and Bennett Kotok, the kid with the iron will and the easy smile. Til we meet again, my friend.
Like
Guest
Bennett was outgoing, funny, sensitive, empathetic, and had a big heart! I loved his enthusiasm for learning even when he blurted out. There was one time at the end of October when I had to contact Susan and Larry because the blurting out was becoming disruptive to the rest of the class. In fact the email was about Bennett singing out loud during a test. Bennett’s “perspective” was that he was blurring out because I had only called on him twice the whole year. At just 8 years old Bennett wasn’t afraid to be honest or stand up for what he felt was right. I appreciated that and most likely started calling on him more often.
Another great story is from the end of second grade when Bennett had a broken finger. Here is our email communication:
Hi - winding down there at OLG!
Bennett came home and his hand was really hurting. He said he had a writing assignment to do. Could he bring that home and have me write for him? He seems concerned about getting it done with his hand.
Let me know, thanks.
Susan Gillen Kotok
No worries. I am going to word-process the story for him.
It may have been sore because he was playing football during the noon recess. When I found out, I told him to find something else to do. I know it must be hard but I don't want him to hurt it more.
Let me know if you want me to do anything else for him.
Thanks,
Michelle
Thanks, he mentioned he was the all-time quarterback, but agreed he needs to take it easier. Appreciate the help.
Susan Gillen Kotok
He wasn’t going to let a broken finger keep him from playing football. He loved sports and loved competing!
Bennett was one of my favorite students. He made everything better by just being there. His little smirk and big heart will always be remembered.
Michelle Hannan
Second Grade Teacher
Like
Guest
Like
Guest
Like
Guest
Like
Guest
Like
Samuel Fulton
During the winter of our senior year of high school, Mark Rogalski, Bennett, and I went to my cabin for a weekend to snowmobile and ice fish. Because Mark and I love making videos, we had our camera gear out with us. We were trying to get super cool "cinematic" snowmobile shots, and Bennett thought taking his shirt off would be super funny. The following videos are what followed. - Sam Fulton
Like
Guest
Several years ago, more than I want to admit, I had the honor of teaching a shy little boy by the name of Jack Kotok. Jack was quiet, reserved, and an excellent student. I vividly remember chatting with Larry and Susan about how easy Jack was to have in class, and watching as a grin came across both of their faces; "You should meet his youngest brother," they both said. Neither were surprised when I told them that Bennett had made his presence known already earlier that year as we met in the hallways, but rather just shook their head and laughed. A couple of years later, along came Simon. Again, I shared what a joy Simon was to teach and how so far, Susan and Larry were 2 for 2 in raising amazing young men. "Just wait," they said. I got a glimpse into what they meant later that year when Simon was sick, so Bennett came to pick up his homework. Usually, the younger brother is a bit shy and nervous to come into the room. Not Bennett. I think he even stayed for awhile chatting with Simon's friends. Fast forward to a couple years after that when the one and only BKB walked into my classroom on back to school day, flashed his million dollar smile and said,"My brothers warned me about you, but I think I'm up for the challenge," all while Susan once again just quietly laughed and shook her head. The Kotoks were right; Bennett was a much different student than his brothers. There was nothing quiet or reserved about Bennett, yet he still showed respect and kindness to me, his teacher, as well as each and every one of his classmates, and, well, anyone he came across. He'd be the first to cheer another student on, was always quick with a one liner, and took extreme pleasure in finding where the line was drawn, while seeing how close he could come to the line without crossing it. There were a few times where he screwed up and took things a bit too far, but Bennett was always the first to admit it, apologize, and move on. I could go on and on about my time as his teacher, but to this day, all of these years later, what sticks out most about Bennett was his love for his family. He looked up to his dad, adored his big brothers, and loved his "Mama Bear" more than any 5th grader I've ever had. Bennett truly savored his time spent with family, and was always quick to point out how lucky he was to be a Kotok. Most recently, Bennett returned to OLG with his gang to do a couple of weeks of service to wrap up his senior year. While catching up, I shared the story of his parents warning me about him. He just laughed, gave me his grin, and shrugged his shoulders. That was Bennett, always 100% unapologetically who he was; an amazing young man who lived his life to the fullest, rooted in his faith, while having fun along the way.
I had the pleasure of being on the Model UN team with Bennett over the span of two years at STA. I could probably say a million great things about him but I’ll stick to this one story that I think really encapsulates the kind of guy and competitor that he was. We both got selected to travel to the University of Florida for a conference the winter of our senior year, and after we landed, most of the guys on the trip were messing around and not focusing on the actual conference. Bennett and Sam Fulton were the two guys who weren’t. Every second that I was around them they were practing their speech and making sure that it was better than any other speech given at the conference. I think that after the 48 hours leading up to the conference, I had memorized Bennett and Fulto’s speech more than my own. They were so adamant on success and a perfect opening speech, and when it came time, they executed perfectly. After the conference, our flight was delayed and then canceled and we found out that Delta would be comping us with a very nice hotel stay and food vouchers. We arrived to the hotel after a long day without any food and decided that we would use these food vouchers at the ritzy steakhouse inside the hotel. Bennett and I somehow heard that these vouchers did not have price limits on them and we immediately began to feast on steaks, salads, and every dessert imaginable. We found out the next morning that this food was actually not comped and our advisor for the trip, Mr. O, looked like he was about to faint. It ended up being sorted out and we got home safely, but not without a talking to and a few hours of panic. I’m so grateful for my time at STA with him and the rest of the guys. Thinking about you today, love you BK!
So many things make me think of Bennett! Our family misses him and thinks of him often. I will always think of him when I see a beautiful sunset or when I’m at the batting cages, or really anytime I’m at STA. His presence is still felt in the halls of the school. His energy, leadership and fierce competitiveness made him a joy to be around. Miss you Bennett!
I remember being the backup catcher to Bennett in my junior year of high school. In most cases, one might become frustrated that someone else has the opportunity to play the sport and they don't. This was not the case for me. Sitting behind Bennett was one of the greatest things to happen to me. I struggled a lot during my junior year, but showing up every day in the spring to watch and learn from Bennett, not only as a baseball player but also as a man will be a memory I will cherish for a long time. He always had a question. He would ask Mr. Meisch countless questions in our AP Biology class, always wanting to know more about medicine and the human body. He would be challenging our whole Model United Nations Team to advance their skills as our club's Head Delegate. He would always try and find better ways to communicate with his teammates on the field to ensure the team would succeed. In that spring of 2023, I truly saw the impact that Bennett had on other people. He made everyone around him better because he wanted to see you succeed more than himself. His selflessness, dedication, and ability to light up every room made him such an incredible role model for everyone he came in contact with.
I will always remember the 2023 STA Baseball game vs Cretin. The massive rivalry drew a huge crowd to the UofM field and it was one hell of a game. Around the 7th or 8th inning, Bennett took a foul ball right in between his legs when he was catching, so hard that even his athletic cup could not be of much support. He went down and stayed down for a while. A few guys glanced over at me, assuming I should be up and moving, getting ready to go into the game to fill in for him. But, the entire coaching staff along with myself knew that Bennett was not coming out of that game. He was not going to give up on his brothers that easily. Almost the entire dugout knew that Bennett was strong enough to get back up and compete for the team and school he loved so much. Not many people would be able to continue to play after taking such a blow, but Bennett finished out the entire game.
I feel like this game perfectly encapsulates who Bennett was. The whole team wanted to rally around him, and there's a reason for that. His leadership, joy, competitiveness, and authenticity were infectious. He would never let anyone down, and if he somehow did, he would vow to be even better than before. Nothing would ever come in his way of being a part of something bigger than himself. He wouldn't half-ass things, especially when he was doing something for someone he loved and cared for. And to Bennett, everyone he met was deserving of this love and care.
Looking back a year after you passed, the impact you had on my life and so many others is even more visible than ever before, and we all hope to continue carrying on your legacy.
Love you brother.
-Robbie Wollan
One of my favorite memories of Bennett was in English class when he hit his funny bone on the desk and couldn’t stop laughing, ended up getting kicked out of class and had to meet with the teacher, but ended up coming out laughing even harder than before. It always reminds me to look at life in a good way, even if bad things are happening, you can always laugh.
Something that Bennett's incredible spirit has taught me is to truly be present with the people God places in your life, and to give yourself in everything you do. I've been trying to live more like that now, and I can honestly say that every single day Bennett's life continues to change mine. I hope that I can become half the person that he is. ❤️
“In a sky full of stars…I think I see you.”
BK#1 Forever in our Hearts
There has never been a sunset where I don’t think of you BK❤️
in the cafeteria at STA, you know that one area is always packed full of people: the toaster on April 18th, 2023, Bennett continued his legacy of being a leader when he saved that toaster and a freshman from the wrath of Mr. Hager, as somehow the freshman lit the toaster on fire, at the time, several other older cadets and I chuckled a bit eager to see it unfold, but Bennett jumped into action, quickly going in to solve the problem because that was the type of MAN that Bennett was, he was the epitome of what a modern man should be, he dived into the problem, even though he wasn't in line, he reached into the fire simply to help his younger brothers and the school he loved. as small and as silly as this situation is i think its a great example of what Bennett was all about, helping others, selflessly
I miss you brother, until next time
love, respect & God bless
One of my favorite videos of Bennett showing his love of the outdoors and fishing.
Happy Heavenly Birthday Bennett! Everyone misses your friendship and your million dollar smile! Thank you for being an outstanding human💙
When I think of Bennett, it’s not words that come to mind, it’s a number: 100%
No matter the situation, you always got 100% from Bennett.
Sports: 100% effort.
Religion: 100% faith.
Family and friendships: 100% love.
Character: 100% authenticity, honesty, integrity, empathy, determination, compassion, humility, kindness, generosity, etc…we all know the list could go on forever.
Never 99%. 100% all the time, every time. What a special person.
The picture is from a basketball tournament in 2015. We won our bracket and received the medal that Bennett has around his neck. However, as we were getting ready to leave the facility, the tourney director stopped us and said there is a “Super Championship” and that we would play the winner of another bracket. We won that game as well and received the cool trophy Bennett is holding. 100% champion too.
What’s remarkable is that Bennett never had to be the best player on the court (although he often was), because his greatest gift is that he made everyone else around him better. On and off the court. Still does. Always will. 100%
Twelve years ago my father passed after his battle with pancreatic cancer. After the services, I talked with my brother about some ways we might honor his memory and keep him alive in our thoughts. We decided to attempt to climbing his favorite mountain in Colorado, a place we had visited a number of times growing up. Long's Peak isn't the tallest mountain in the state, but it might be the most impressive and certainly among the most dangerous. My dad tried to summit that mountain three times and never made it. Together, my brother and I made the commitment to do whatever we could to take some of his ashes to the top and spread them there, leaving a piece of him in a place that was so special to him. Every year since I have traveled to mountains around the world, and I have taken my dad with me each time.
Bennett knew that story well. We talked many times about climbing adventures, and my dad, and Bennett was always asking questions and genuinely interested. It is one of the things that I loved most about him . . . he took the time to get to know someone, and showed he cared by taking an interest. I remember him saying after I showed him some pictures once that he would have loved to see with his own eyes some of the places I had seen, and he laughed after I told him he would probably throw up twice before falling off a cliff because of altitude sickness. It was a joke; there was nothing Bennett could not do once he made up his mind.
This summer my uncle Tony, dad's brother, passed as well. To honor him I once again planned a trip to Long's Peak to spread some of his ashes next to his brother at the summit. This time I took Bennett with me. There were several points where I felt like quitting, for a variety of reasons that included being a lot older now and needing things like oxygen. But when I looked down at the band around my wrist I was reminded of a guy who, to my knowledge, had never seen the summit of a mountain but absolutely wanted to. It's the kind of thing that keeps the legs moving when the mind says stop. We made it, and I have never seen the Rocky mountains on such as beautiful day as that. It's hard to imagine ever looking at the mountains again without being reminded of my dad, my uncle, and Bennett Kotok, the kid with the iron will and the easy smile. Til we meet again, my friend.
Bennett was outgoing, funny, sensitive, empathetic, and had a big heart! I loved his enthusiasm for learning even when he blurted out. There was one time at the end of October when I had to contact Susan and Larry because the blurting out was becoming disruptive to the rest of the class. In fact the email was about Bennett singing out loud during a test. Bennett’s “perspective” was that he was blurring out because I had only called on him twice the whole year. At just 8 years old Bennett wasn’t afraid to be honest or stand up for what he felt was right. I appreciated that and most likely started calling on him more often.
Another great story is from the end of second grade when Bennett had a broken finger. Here is our email communication:
Hi - winding down there at OLG!
Bennett came home and his hand was really hurting. He said he had a writing assignment to do. Could he bring that home and have me write for him? He seems concerned about getting it done with his hand.
Let me know, thanks.
Susan Gillen Kotok
No worries. I am going to word-process the story for him.
It may have been sore because he was playing football during the noon recess. When I found out, I told him to find something else to do. I know it must be hard but I don't want him to hurt it more.
Let me know if you want me to do anything else for him.
Thanks,
Michelle
Thanks, he mentioned he was the all-time quarterback, but agreed he needs to take it easier. Appreciate the help.
Susan Gillen Kotok
He wasn’t going to let a broken finger keep him from playing football. He loved sports and loved competing!
Bennett was one of my favorite students. He made everything better by just being there. His little smirk and big heart will always be remembered.
Michelle Hannan
Second Grade Teacher
During the winter of our senior year of high school, Mark Rogalski, Bennett, and I went to my cabin for a weekend to snowmobile and ice fish. Because Mark and I love making videos, we had our camera gear out with us. We were trying to get super cool "cinematic" snowmobile shots, and Bennett thought taking his shirt off would be super funny. The following videos are what followed. - Sam Fulton
Several years ago, more than I want to admit, I had the honor of teaching a shy little boy by the name of Jack Kotok. Jack was quiet, reserved, and an excellent student. I vividly remember chatting with Larry and Susan about how easy Jack was to have in class, and watching as a grin came across both of their faces; "You should meet his youngest brother," they both said. Neither were surprised when I told them that Bennett had made his presence known already earlier that year as we met in the hallways, but rather just shook their head and laughed. A couple of years later, along came Simon. Again, I shared what a joy Simon was to teach and how so far, Susan and Larry were 2 for 2 in raising amazing young men. "Just wait," they said. I got a glimpse into what they meant later that year when Simon was sick, so Bennett came to pick up his homework. Usually, the younger brother is a bit shy and nervous to come into the room. Not Bennett. I think he even stayed for awhile chatting with Simon's friends. Fast forward to a couple years after that when the one and only BKB walked into my classroom on back to school day, flashed his million dollar smile and said,"My brothers warned me about you, but I think I'm up for the challenge," all while Susan once again just quietly laughed and shook her head. The Kotoks were right; Bennett was a much different student than his brothers. There was nothing quiet or reserved about Bennett, yet he still showed respect and kindness to me, his teacher, as well as each and every one of his classmates, and, well, anyone he came across. He'd be the first to cheer another student on, was always quick with a one liner, and took extreme pleasure in finding where the line was drawn, while seeing how close he could come to the line without crossing it. There were a few times where he screwed up and took things a bit too far, but Bennett was always the first to admit it, apologize, and move on. I could go on and on about my time as his teacher, but to this day, all of these years later, what sticks out most about Bennett was his love for his family. He looked up to his dad, adored his big brothers, and loved his "Mama Bear" more than any 5th grader I've ever had. Bennett truly savored his time spent with family, and was always quick to point out how lucky he was to be a Kotok. Most recently, Bennett returned to OLG with his gang to do a couple of weeks of service to wrap up his senior year. While catching up, I shared the story of his parents warning me about him. He just laughed, gave me his grin, and shrugged his shoulders. That was Bennett, always 100% unapologetically who he was; an amazing young man who lived his life to the fullest, rooted in his faith, while having fun along the way.