Cara Cook, 18, recent graduate from Grand Rapids Adventist Academy

[Stan]

LOWELL, MI -- Whether she was volunteering for a messy job during a mission trip or making sure her friends were happy, Cara Cook put other people first.

The 18-year-old and recent graduate from Grand Rapids Adventist Academy looked for the positive attributes in others, and her peers regarded her as a leader.

"Cara was just one of those kids. There's one in every school," said Phil Engelman, a social studies teacher at the K-12 school. "She was always caring about everyone else."

Cook, of Lowell, died Monday, Oct. 22 after colliding with another vehicle in Ada Township. She was traveling north on Pettis Avenue NE when her car apparently crossed the center line near Conservation Street, police said.

Her aunt, Carmen Cook, said she loved animals. Cook had once aspired to become a veterinarian, but she decided to study social work at Grand Rapids Community College so she could help children.

Engelman said Cook was well-known at Grand Rapids Adventist Academy, a 144-student school. She organized the monthly Friday night worship. She was on an advisory board that decides where the high school classes will travel for the annual mission trip.

Engelman said Cook urged they travel to the location with the most need, not the place that would be the most fun.

The last trip she took was to Kentucky, where she and others repaired homes.

"She was just digging in," Engelman said. "If there was a yucky job she said, 'I'll go ahead and do it.'"

At graduation, Cook received the school's Caring Heart Award, a scholarship given annually to a student who demonstrates selfless concern for others.

On a Facebook memorial page, friends and family were asked to describe Cook in one word. Caring, compassionate and selfless are among the responses.

Carmen Cook said whenever she thought of her niece, it came to mind that the teenager never realized her impact on others.

"She just had the most giving heart," she said.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Lowell Riverside Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church.

[Naomi]

It's always sad when a life is lost but especially sad when a bright young person's life suddenly ends. Praying for the family's peace and comfort.

[Gail]

Tragic, and it hurts those who are left more than the one who no longer feels pain.

:(

[phkrause]

Very sad in deed, will be praying for the family, as Gail mentioned, it hurts the ones left the most.