John Jack Retired Principal of Andrew Mynarski Schoolbut not Tired
Over the course of John Jack's 40-year teaching career he saw many of his students go on to successful futures as scientists, engineers and doctors.
Although Jack said it was their strong drive that got his students to where they want to be, he likes to think that participating in science fairs helped them along their path, developing special skills and confidence.

Involved as a volunteer with science fairs for the past 35 years, Jack believes so strongly in what the competitions can do for students that he now serves as the president of the Manitoba School Science Symposium, as well as the co-chair of the upcoming Canada-Wide Science Fair.

The national science fair will be held in Winnipeg for the first time since 1988, from May 9 to 17, hosting more than 450 competitors. Despite retiring as a principal five years ago, Jack said he loves that he still has the opportunity to shape students' futures.

"I get satisfaction knowing that I continue to do what I can to provide the opportunity for youngsters, because I know from the Third World country where I am from, many of the students there would have wished that they had this type of opportunity," said Jack, who came to Canada from the Caribbean country St. Vincent in 1969.

Now, in addition to trying to make a difference in the lives of students, the Order of Manitoba recipient is also working to groom the next generation of volunteers.

Alastair Komus, 26, is a former science fair participant, who now serves as the co-chair of the Manitoba School Science Symposium and the volunteer co-ordinator for the Canada-Wide Science Fair. An engineer-in-training at Composites Innovation Centre and a University of Manitoba masters student, Komus credits his participation in the fairs for his academic success, and said that he has enjoyed working with Jack for the past few years.

"Having been a student involved, and realizing how important it was to where I ended up going, (it's important) to then give back to that and promote it," said Komus.

He said that a large number of former competitors now volunteer, including his brother Matthew Komus, who is helping as the assistant volunteer co-ordinator. "I think for a lot of people it made a difference too, they want to get back involved and help out and make it happen."

Jack said that it's people like Komus who will ensure that the events continue and the calibre remains high, especially since Manitoba has a big reputation to uphold.

"1988 was one of the best science fairs ever so we are hoping we can continue that tradition," said Jack, one of only two people from the 1988 organizing committee still involved.

"I'm providing some leadership and some opportunity for youngsters to take over leadership, and hopefully I'm providing some mentorship. On our committee of 30 I would say about 22 are under 40 years old and quite a number are under 30. There's a lot of young people getting involved."

Volunteers are required to fill a number of positions for the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Orientations will take place on May 2 at 2 p.m. and May 3-4 at 7 p.m.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/shaping-students-futures-43759822.html