Gregory T. Bak's zest for knowledge and sports were driving forces behind the Fairfax Station resident's early life, which ended in tragedy this past week at the College of William and Mary.
His father, Thomas Bak, looked back on the robot his son made with a group of other science-oriented students at Edison High School, where Greg Bak attended the International Baccalaureate program classes.
"He was someone who was good in a lot of things," his father said.
Their computerized robot earned a third place in regional "Bot Ball" competitions, in which students made computerized robots that competed with a ball on a table.
"Intelligence really has to go into that," Thomas Bak said.
Greg Bak shared his intelligence as well, tutoring others at Edison in math and science, as well as participating in the "Eddie’s Club" program, where students used physical exercise to help people with mental retardation.
"It was part of his general character," Thomas Bak said.
Bill Walker, William and Mary spokesman, noted the way Greg Bak was immersed in activities at the college. He had a 3.8 average and was active in student affairs. He was a Monroe Scholar at William and Mary and a member of the Monroe Hall Council. Bak was also an ROTC cadet and a pledge at Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
On Friday, March 28, Gregory Bak fell from a fourth-floor window of his dormitory. His death was ruled a suicide, according to Walker.
"He was an outstanding student," Walker said.
At Edison, Gregory Bak participated in cross country, track and soccer. He was captain of the track team and was voted the most improved player on the junior varsity soccer team.
At the funeral, Tuesday, April 1, at the Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, the mourners included students from William and Mary as well as friends and teachers from Edison High School. Edison students that Bak helped in the past got up and spoke about his help. Many wore black arm bands to show their respect.
"It was overflowing. There was several kids who spoke about how he helped them. Coach [Jim] Wilde said a lot of nice things about Greg," the Thomas Bak said.
Gregory Bak lived in the Fairfax Station area 15 years. He attended Silverbrook Elementary School in his early years, the gifted-and-talented program at Springfield Estates Elementary for grades four to six, Mark Twain Middle School and Edison High School.