Summit Spotlights Student Jack Quinn

SUMMIT, NJ - The Summit School District has chosen the Jack Quinn as student to spotlight, specifically citing his leadership, academics and volunteerism.

According to officials, Quinn is an active senior at Summit High School. He shines in the areas of leadership, academics, volunteerism and international studies. Jack is part of the Debate Team. Engaging in public forum debate, he gets topics each month where he prepares the pros and cons to then face off with other schools.

“Debate helps me think on my feet, which is a skill that weaves throughout so many aspects of life," said Quinn.

He and his debate partner Jeff Fowler, participate in local and national tournaments, with one of the goals being to attend the Tournament of Champions. Last year, the duo was the only one to go to Nationals. Using his debate skills, Jack is also part of Model UN. There, chosen committees attend summits to propose solutions that will “solve” large scale problems.

Quinn is President of Student Council for the 2019-2020 school year, and he has been a member since 6th grade. The SHS Student Council hosts many events that are community oriented such as holiday parties and an ABA prom.

“I enjoy all of the events because they are a great way to be inclusive and bring our school community together,” Quinn said.

Also honing his leadership skills, Quinn is part of Peer Leadership for the second year. Their goal is to get everyone acclimated to the SHS community, and one main focus is on helping freshmen. Peer leaders give tours of the high school prior to school starting, and meet monthly to reinforce connections with the freshmen and to discuss ways to adjust and succeed. Quinn is also part of Stokes, which is an orientation event for 6th grade middle school students. He and his peers help students transition from elementary to middle school to ease shyness and boost confidence. On that trip, high school student leaders help middle schoolers address needs, complete obstacles, and bond with each other.

As a Board member of the Interact Club, Quinn does community service throughout Summit. As Secretary of Operation Smile, he helps raise money for children with facial deformities. And as Co-President of the Chinese Club, he teaches current events to others.

“This is a passion of mine because China impacts the globe in such a profound way," Quinn said. "This club broadens perspectives from what is happening in the western world to a more global view.”

Captain of the Varsity Sailing team is another leadership position that Quinn holds.

“Sailing is different than other sports as problem solving is a huge component. You have to read the water and the wind in order to chart the course,” Quinn said. "With sailing, you have to have integrity. There are no referees on the open water; you have to monitor yourselves.”

Quinn said academics are important to him. This semester he is taking six AP courses in Calculus, Chinese, Computer Science, Literature, Physics and Government & Politics.

“SHS does a great job providing course options, including AP offerings,” Quinn said, noting that he benefited from the Virtual High School (VHS) by taking chemistry at SHS and then criminology via the VHS program. “It was a great opportunity to learn about DNA and how DNA analysis helps in other arenas; there was a real connection between learning in the classroom and learning online.”

Quinn said he has gotten a lot of support along the way from family and friends. When asked about the best advice he has received, Quinn said the importance his parents placed on being kind. They promoted helping others and it is something he values greatly.

“Even in high school, it is important to be kind and supportive; you only ever know a small portion of what others are going through,” Quinn said, noting that others should go out and seize opportunities. “You must push yourself and get out of your comfort zone.”

Quinn said he dreams of a career with the government in public service, perhaps with the State Department in an overseas posting. Last summer he lived and studied in Nanjing, China as part of the NSLI-Y scholarship program.

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