Students and teachers gathered in room 1335 Thursday morning to remember the life of special needs student Charles Broadhurst, a senior in the functional life skills [FLS] program who passed away March 2.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday. Those in attendance said Broadhurst would be greatly missed.

“Charles never had a bad day, he enjoyed every minute of his time on earth,” FLS teacher Carol Narsutis said. “We will miss him very much.”

Senior Rhianna Doran was a good friend of Broadhurst.

“Charles always had the brightest smile on his face,” Doran said. “He brought such happiness to the lives he touched.”

Doran says she will never forget how he loved to dance and how excited he got to see new friends.

“Charles brought such fullness to life that I couldn’t quite understand,” Doran said. “Despite his condition he never had reason to frown.”

Special education teachers Caslin Smith and Cheryl Wold said they know “Charles is up in heaven dancing.”

“He always brought such joy to each class he visited,” Smith said.

Those who knew him said Broadhurst was a huge personality in the life skills department.

“He loved to dance, to laugh, and be the center of attention,” said Bailey Fath, special education teacher and Circle of Friends sponsor. “Charles taught all of us to enjoy every day, make the best of every situation, and love unconditionally.”

Doran added that knowing Broadhurst helped her to better understand people with disabilities.

“I know exactly what their purpose is; to open the eyes and hearts of all of us so we can see the beauty of life,” Doran said. “Also to inspire us to do good and love others and teach us that the smallest thing in life can bring you the utmost happiness.”