Honoring Alec’s Legacy During American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month—a nationwide observance dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and empowering people to save lives through prevention, education, and action. This month also holds special meaning for our community as we honor the life and legacy of Alec Kornet.

Alec was a 17-year-old junior at Charles F. Brush High School whose kindness, infectious smile, and love for sports left a lasting impact on everyone around him. An honor roll student, musician, and multi-sport athlete, Alec was known for encouraging others and representing his school with pride and sportsmanship. Tragically, Alec passed away on February 14, 2017, after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during hockey practice, despite having no known prior medical concerns.

In response, Alec’s family founded the 4Alec Foundation to educate others and raise awareness about undetected heart conditions in youth, with the mission of helping prevent similar tragedies and saving lives. Their work reminds us that awareness, early detection, and preparedness—especially learning lifesaving skills like CPR—can make a difference in critical moments. Through their foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Kornet attended the Regular Meeting of the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Board of Education in December to donate mobile AED units to the Brush athletic department, and in February met with Brush coaches to raise awareness. The Kornets have committed to working with district leaders to ensure ongoing compliance in this critical area, consistent with state regulations and legislation.

As we observe American Heart Month, we honor Alec not only by remembering the remarkable young person he was, but by continuing the work his legacy inspires: promoting heart health awareness, supporting one another, and committing to actions that protect the lives of our students and community.

Alec’s legacy lives on—in every life saved, every heart educated, and every effort made to ensure no family experiences such a loss again.