York Student Council President: 'Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes'

Name: Jack Hennessy

Age: 17

School: senior at York High School

Achievement: As student body president for York Student Council, Jack offers advice for students who are just about ready to start their high school career.

Key to Awesomeness: On Monday night, Jack Hennessy took to the podium in front of a gymnasium full of York freshmen—675 of them—and their families to welcome them to high school at .

“York High School is a diverse community of people with unique talents, interests and goals. I’m very excited to welcome you as the newest members of this community,” he told them.

Throughout high school, Jack has been involved in tennis and mock trial, and he serves as president of National Honor Society. He also studies piano. His interest in student council began his freshman year and he has served all four years, including a stint as president of his sophomore class.

Just prior to Jack’s welcome to the freshman class on Monday, District 205 Superintendent David Pruneau addressed the students for the first time since coming to Elmhurst and starting the job six weeks ago.

“You have four years to become the kind of person you envision,” Pruneau told the students. “Take chances.”

Jack says he agrees with that advice wholeheartedly.

“I think that if you do challenge yourself with something you’ve never really explored, that can often be the most rewarding thing that you do in high school,” he says. “I think it also requires hard work, diligence and a plan.

Hennessy says that those ingredients, plus a good attitude are sure to add up to success.

Jack also urges students not to be afraid of making mistakes.

“Some of the most successful people often fail 100 times before they actually, finally succeed. So don’t be worried about making mistakes. If you just keep at it, eventually it will work out for you,” he says.

As for this year, Jack is ready to jump into his new role as student body president. He and the rest of the Student Council meet four days a week to plan and organize several key events throughout the year. First on the agenda for this year will be planning the Homecoming week festivities, followed by other dances, blood drives, the senior citizen prom and other community outreach activities.

It’s all part of creating the high school experience, Jack says.

“One of my favorite things is the school spirit at York, especially during Homecoming week—all the days preceding the big game,” he says. “I think it’s something kind of unique. Being a part of Student Council is a way for me to promote that.”

The first day of school is Thursday, and Jack said he knows it’s going to be a good year. Recently, he heard that there are well over 200 students serving as student ambassadors and freshman mentors.

“I think it’s a testament to how much all the kids at York care about school spirit and being welcoming to the new freshman,” he says. “They’re trying to cultivate a good environment there.”