Year 12 Toowoomba Grammar School student Jack Kennedy does not regard himself as a high achiever or as being outstanding in any way. Though he is not an exceptional academic, national athlete, school captain or claiming to save the world, Jack is exceptional, because his actions speak louder than words. Jack is a ‘doer’; a young man with a huge capacity for compassion and empathy, along with a passion to make the lives of others better through his actions.

Jack’s mother is a single parent who lives in Condamine. He commenced at Toowoomba Grammar School in 2014 as a boarder and since then he has made a significant contribution to both the school and the wider community. Jack is an active member of Toowoomba Grammar School’s Interact Club demonstrating great leadership in planning and implementing events to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes. He has participated in various service activities including the Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp. Jack committed three days and two nights of his school holidays to be the full-time carer for a child with a disability, providing much needed respite for the child’s parents and family. Jack has volunteered at the Rosies Street Retreat serving food and providing friendship to those less fortunate in Toowoomba, has participated in the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life and has assisted younger children in the Special Needs Unit at Highfields State School.

Jack’s willingness to help those less fortunate is a great indication of his character. He sets a fine example for other young men not just at Toowoomba Grammar School, but throughout the community.