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Spotlight On: Jack Gallivan, CCES Class of 2019

by Jamie Bryant, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
 
Jack Gallivan’s reputation as the ultimate car guy precedes him and his devotion is not just to one marque, although he certainly has a fondness for Hot Wheels cars. Since he was a young boy, the mechanics of a vehicle fascinated him. After all, it has to be hard to make something 1:64 scale and make it exactly, perfectly proportioned. His “real” car is a 2004 Toyota 4Runner, and he’s done everything from putting Stealth Custom Series Wheels on it to installing a Heise LED light bar in the bumper. But whether he is spinning the wheels of his cars and watching them roll or working on a hands-on assignment in physics, Jack seems to have always been interested in the “how” and the “why.” It is that omnipresent curiosity— a force within his hungry mind— combined with a keen intuition that leads me to believe Jack Gallivan, if he is not already, will one day be a source of inspiration and enlightenment for people.
 
At CCES, we are serious about creating an educational experience that shapes and accommodates each student. Jack is a great illustration of this. John C. Maxwell once said, “You don’t overcome challenges by making them smaller but by making yourself bigger.” Standing at almost 6’1”, Jack is a giant. Jack entered CCES in first grade and credits CCES for helping him become who he is today. “I’ve made many friends,” he says, “and the teachers take time to understand each student’s strengths and weaknesses. They have helped me build upon my strengths and have supported my weaknesses, and I think that has been extremely beneficial to me.” Throughout his time at CCES, Jack has benefitted from the services of the Achievement Center and Learning Specialists, particularly Upper School Learning Specialist Lane Abrams. “Through the Achievement Center and Mrs. Abrams, I have learned so much about managing my time and strategies to make doing work more efficient, whether it be schoolwork or other work. Mrs. Abrams has been one of the most important people I’ve encountered at CCES— she has never given up on me, no matter what I did or didn’t do. I’ll always be grateful to her.”
 
He might be a quintessential car guy, but Jack has many other interests as well. He ran cross country for several years, as well as track & field. He wrestled in 8th grade and has been racing mountain bikes with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) for the past 2 years. He began riding with his dad when he was very young. “I love the challenge of the technical skills and the peacefulness of being out in the woods. It’s an escape from all the stress and static of life, and where I can focus only on the trail and perfecting my skills.” His junior and senior years he has been the leader of the Car Club. In addition, he has been a Student Ambassador since 9th grade.
 
What’s next for Jack Gallivan? Colleges come in all shapes and sizes, but relatively small, liberal arts schools were a trend in Jack’s application portfolio. Perhaps a nod to the environment he has grown up in at CCES, one that has given back to him in memories and experiences that have shaped the person he is today. He applied to Lees-McRae College, High Point University, Roanoke College, Brevard College, and Sewanee, and was admitted to all of them!   When Jack visited Sewanee, it felt like he was all the way back where he belonged. It wasn’t the first time he stepped foot on the campus of The University of the South, he’s a double legacy and practically grew up there. “It just feels like home to me. I can’t see myself being as happy anywhere else as I can be at Sewanee.” Although undecided on a major, he plans on minoring in German Studies, a subject which he is especially fond of, and adept in. In 2016, Jack received a bronze medal on the National German Exam.
 
“Jack Gallivan will always remain one of my very favorite students,” said Bartley Sides, Associate Director of College Counseling. “He is genuine and kind-hearted, curious, and bursting with potential. I feel confident that Jack already has a keen sense of who he is and who he is becoming, and I can’t wait to see his many successes in life.”
 
JUST FOR FUN!
 
Which school tradition are you most proud of? I am most proud of the International Chapel service.
If you could create one mandatory course for future seniors, what would it be? I would create a shop course in which students learn technical skills such as welding, woodworking, and basic repairs of everyday items.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself as a happy, productive member of my community. Obviously, with a really cool collection of cars.
What is one tip you would give to your younger siblings to help them succeed? Don’t do your schoolwork half-heartedly. You are going to need those experiences later in life.
Who is your sports idol? I do not have one in particular, but I admire Danny MacAskill.
How many matchbox cars are in your collection? It’s hard to say for sure, but I think it’s somewhere close to 900.
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    • Jack Gallivan, Class of 2019

    • Upper School Car Club

    • Jack and his dad, Clark Gallivan

    • Jack tackles a downhill slope on his mountain bike

    • Upper School Learning Specialist Lane Abrams and Jack pose after chapel

Christ Church Episcopal School (“CCES”) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CCES. CCES does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship or other programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs and activities.