Source: http://blog.al.com/live/2014/02/tim_cook...

Tim possessed a studious nature that was apparent as early as the eighth grade.

“He is the pride and joy of our town,” said Susie Kendrick Vivar, a former classmate who still makes her home in Robertsdale. “We’re all very proud to say that he lived here.”

Teachers describe a friendly, diligent, long-limbed teenager who played trombone in the band and served on the yearbook staff.

“You didn’t go around calling him a nerd,” said Barbara Davis, who taught Cook math. “He was just the kind of person you liked to be around.” She added, “He was a reliable kid. He was always meticulous with his work, so I knew it would be done right.”