WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington has a lot of awesome people living in it, but none are more awesome than Jack Cushing.
At Wednesday night’s Rotary Interact Club banquet at the Wilmington Senior Center, Jack announced he’s stepping down as Rotary Interact advisor, a position he’s held for the past 16 years.
Below, in their own words, are what some Wilmington High School students had to say when asked about Jack Cushing.
Outgoing WHS Interact Club President Jake Aoki:
I have been in Rotary Interact since my freshman year, and the club has truly changed me. As I said at the Interact banquet on Wednesday night, a major lesson that I have learned from Rotary over the past four years is that it only takes small actions to make big impacts. I used to feel as though there is only so much one person can do. Now, I look at it the opposite way: one person can really do so much– just look at Jack.
Jack Cushing is a role model. It has always been clear that he cares a lot about Interact, and a lot about Wilmington. He was always available and happy to talk about service events or specific club business. Many clubs at Wilmington High School are advised by teachers who, obviously, work right in the building, but even though Jack was not a teacher, he never felt far away. Jack was always supportive and helpful. I was, of course, not a perfect president of Interact, but Jack was always patient with me and allowed me to grow as a leader. While Jack’s kindness made being a part of Interact enjoyable and easy, it was his compassion and empathy that made being a part of Interact meaningful. Jack taught us not just to do the nice thing or the right thing, but to understand why we should act this way– because we have the power to improve others’ lives with little sacrifice to ourselves.
Jack taught me the importance of service. He has devoted 16 years to Interact, and I feel so lucky that I got to work with him before he retired. I could not have asked for a better advisor. He truly embodies Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self.” He even schedules his vacations around Interact’s events. Though Jack is retiring from Interact, the club will still be in great hands next year under the continued leadership of Chris Neville and Terry Marciello.
Incoming WHS Interact Club President Conor Bailey:
Jack Cushing has changed the person I am. I was hesitant to sign up for the Rotary Interact my Freshman year and now I’m President. Jack showed me you can get joy out of helping out our community and he has inspired me to give back and help out whenever and wherever I can! He has truly been an amazing role model for me and many others who have passed through the club.
WHS Interact Board Member Siobhan Scanlon:
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jack Cushing since the day I was born. He has known my family for years and years. My grandfather (Dick Scanlon) coached at the high school and they were good friends. Jack always says he wished I got more time with my grandfather because he was an amazing man. My grandmother is to this day a really good friend of Jack. Both my parents have known Jack for years and my father sees him almost weekly. They stand with each other at my high school lacrosse games and Jack is always so happy to talk to us all. I remember when I was younger he would always give me free cookies from the snack shack (which if you are a Wilmington sports fan you know Jack’s cookies are legendary).
Not until 9th grade did I really get to know him. I’m so happy I have gotten the chance to become close with him and I cannot thank him enough for all he has done for my family and me. I look forward to Rotary meetings just to talk to him. I love his funny jokes, stories and his witty personality. He brightens up my day. Jack calls me giggles or smiley because I’m always laughing and happy. He has guided me to become the Rotarian I am today and, without him, I do not think I would be so invested in helping out my community. Jack has changed my life for the better and I cannot repay him for everything he has done for us all at the high school and in Rotary Interact!
Wilmington Apple 