jack reilly

Ask Jack Reilly what extracurricular activities he is involved in, and you will get a very brief response from the George F. Baker High School freshman.

“Almost all of the clubs at this school.”

Reilly is not being flip or exaggerating; one year into high school and his dance card is already full. Being a modest individual, it takes him a while to come around and list his after-school pursuits. When he does, it sounds like he is reading a shopping list: “Ethics Club, Student Council President, Junior National Honor Society President, Interact Club...” Then as an afterthought Reilly throws in that he played on both the junior varsity basketball and baseball teams this year.

What drives Reilly to be so involved?

“I just try to be good,” says Reilly. “I feel like if I do a lot of stuff now, it's going to be so easy when I get older and begin to work.”

However, there is a deep-rooted reason for his involvement: service. From the National Honor Society food drives to the Interact Club cleanup of Route 17; Jack Reilly is dedicated to the service of community and school.

“I just feel like helping people is rewarding. I like seeing it impact people.”

Jack’s desire to help others is noticed by his teachers. “He is always happy to assist other students in class and has an amazingly outgoing personality,” says Beth McGowan, Ethics Club adviser and Reilly’s Living Environment teacher.

“He is interested in every topic and works hard to help develop great points to assist in our arguments for the Ethics Bowl competition. He is an involved student both in and out of the classroom.”

Boy Scouts is what Jack is most involved in outside of George F. Baker High School. When asked about the prospect of becoming an Eagle Scout, his face lights up.

“I am a life scout now. I am one step away,” he boasts.

For the required Eagle Scout project, Reilly wants to find a way to assist the homeless. Why? “Because they need help.”

Help is what Reilly has done on more than one occasion at GFB. Crediting his “instincts” as a Boy Scout and Tuxedo education, Jack has come to the aid of friends and faculty in their time of need. When asked about those times he came through for others, Reilly’s modesty returns.

“Helping others is a gift and everyone needs help once in a while.”