Whiz Kid: A Pal to Peers

Jack Bentler

School: Fifth-grade student and class president at Canyon Vista Elementary School. 

Accomplishments:  Jack, voted class president by his classmates, is responsible for providing school announcements via the school intercom system or a microphone three days per week.  On Fridays, he assists Canyon Vista Principal Don Mahoney at a schoolwide, outdoor assembly.  He calls out the names of students who have donated a book to the library and passes out “birthday pencils” to children celebrating a birthday.  He has been a PAL at school (peer assistant) and has assisted teachers and students in the classroom.  He has also been a helper for the school’s Lunch Buddy program and the Run for Ryan race, which helped raise awareness of autism.  When visiting Virginia, he helped his uncle, Josh,  coach students, and when he was in Palm Springs on vacation, he helped organize groceries for a food bank.

Key to Awesomeness: Jack is a friendly and caring young man and an excellent student. He said he ran for school secretary a year ago but lost.  He wanted to serve on the Student Council, so he decided to try again.   When asked if there was one person in the world that truly inspired him, he said, “My mom, Michelle Bentler.  She’s always been there for me.  She sets the standard for me, and she encourages me to reach my goals.  If I don’t do well at something, she makes me feel like a winner.”   

Future Plans:  Jack would like to be a surgeon and specialize in cardiology.  He is also interested in law.  He says his father, Robin Bentler, also inspires him. His father works as an attorney, specializing in estate planning, business and taxation law.  Jack also thinks his future may include politics.  Since he is only 11 years old, he has time to think about it.