Highlights - Sydney High School Old Boys Union

quite mind boggling”, he says. “At times you forget how quickly we’ve grown and
when you reflect on that you start to realise what an amazing achievement that’s been.”
The effectiveness of AIME has earned Jack some personal plaudits also. In December
2008, he was named by Fairfax’s Sydney Magazine as one of the “top 100 most influential
people in Sydney”. For Jack, however, the accolades are irrelevant if they don’t further
the AIME cause. On the Top 100 selection, he notes: “it’s good for the program’s profile
but to be honest it doesn’t really affect me. What affects me is that I can go into any of
the schools we’re working in and see kids that don’t have a chance to get through the
schools that I had.”
He is particularly appreciative of the education and opportunities he received through
Sydney Boys High: “When I was at Sydney High I was lucky enough to be exposed to
role models who were your typical all-rounders – they were good at sport, academics
and had a social life. It was my sport that drew me to these people and then consequently
into the academic realm. Sydney High showed me that, with a quality education and
strong sense of self belief, you can do anything.”
AIME is now poised to expand nationally in 2010 with sites in every major city in
Australia. Twelve universities sit on a waiting list in anticipation of AIME in 2010.
Involving as much high-quality support as possible is the key, and represents one of
AIME’s primary challenges for 2009. On this subject, Jack again is characteristically
to-the-point: “We need support, particularly financial support, to meet the demand for
AIME across the nation. This support will allow us to get to as many kids as we can as
quickly as possible. Without doubt, this program relies on good people and their
generosity. The Uni of Sydney’s alumni have been fantastic in their support and it
would be great to get the Sydney High Old Boys behind this program as well.”
As he strides away with his black AIME hoody
on and earring intact, you would probably
back him to get it done.
For more information check out the website
at www.aimementoring.com or email
admin@aimementoring.com .
OBU contact
PO BOX 1546
DARLINGHURST NSW 1300
AUSTRALIA
secretary@shsobu.org.au
(02) 9907 2856
+612 9907 2856
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