Jack Whalen

"President's Education Awards Program presented to Jack Whalen in recognition of Outstanding Academic Excellence"

E-Team Academic Achievement Award "This award is presented to the Environment Team student who demonstrates the most outstanding evidence of participation and academic achievement over the 2016-2017 academic year. This student volunteers to help others whenever help is needed, demonstrates academic excellence and exemplifies the essence of E-Team."

Project VETS (Veterans Enlisted Teachers Students) is a club that was designed to help veterans in the Suffolk County area. The club was founded by a navy veteran turned high school teacher who noticed the lack of resources for the returning heroes. During my time with the club, I was one of the chairs for the OEF/OIF Wing. Myself along with other volunteers would collect donated food and then bring them to the local VA Hospital and give them to the veterans. Also I assisted in raising money for the VA with Poppy Day. I stood outside my local Home Depot with other members of the club and handed out poppy plants to people walking in and out of the store. All of the money raised went to the VA to fund better accommodations for the veterans living there. Finally, I helped local veterans visiting my high school to talk to students about their experiences. I brought food and water to the veterans and made sure they were comfortable. I enjoyed serving the people who served us so valiantly.

The Wilderness Club is a club offered at Northport High school. This club lets students hike and camp overnight in the Catskill Mountains region to learn about proper hiking and camping techniques and outdoor survival skills. From 2016 to 2017 I was the official treasurer for this club and handled the finances of the club and signed off on transactions to purchase new equipment.