“I’ve learned that a lot of life is outside of your control… whether it’s a position on a sports team or the lead in a musical, you won’t always get the spot and that’s okay.”
Jack Aitken, class of 2021, is an experienced actor, a talented musician, and a Ben Platt fanatic. On campus, Jack participates in musical theater, Admissions Ambassadors, and volleyball. He is president of both the Smash Bros Club and the E-Sports Club. He is an avid Star Wars fan, and dislikes people who think that Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the best of the trilogy. At home, Jack loves to spend time with his pet goats Silske (pictured) and Bronny. “Musical theater has always been a very big part of my life both inside and outside of SMES,” says Jack, “Many of my favorite memories from SMES come from theater.” Though he’s starred in St. Margaret’s productions since elementary school, Jack says that his most meaningful roles have been in high school. “The time I got to spend in Into The Woods as Cinderella’s Prince and Addams Family as Fester have really been some of the most memorable experiences I’ve had at St. Margaret’s.” Jack reflects on the experiences he’s had in musical theater, saying that “it’s such a good way to make friends and be part of a supportive community.” Even though the Addams Family production was cancelled last year due to quarantine, Jack still felt that he made close friends in the show and was part of a community that will last through future productions. He also praises Mr. Pacheco, the theater teacher and director of many of the school musicals, saying “He has really inspired me and would never accept less than my full effort. He’s really helped cultivate my love of theater and has given me the guidance to pursue theater beyond high school.” Jack also plays the double bass for the St. Margaret’s orchestra, and has done so since the 4th grade. The orchestra has played a pivotal role in Jack’s time at SMES, and he says that one of his favorite memories from high school is the Disneyland trip that the orchestra takes each year. The trip consists of a recording session in the Disney Studios, followed by a day spent at Disneyland and California Adventure. “Getting to play through the scores to my favorite movies and then hanging out with my best friends in the Disney parks was a blast,” says Jack. He recalls how Mr. Wie, the orchestra teacher, would always meet them outside the parks at 8:00pm, but Jack says, “being the food-oriented person I am, I would always stop at the Cozy Cone in Cars Land to get a chocolate-covered ice cream at 7:50. I always had to sprint back to the bus with my melting ice cream cone, and would just barely make it on time.” With all of the activities that Jack has participated in, he has learned quite a few lessons in high school, the most impactful being that things may not always work out the way you had planned. “I’ve learned that a lot of life is outside of your control,” he says. “Whether it’s a position on a sports team or the lead in a musical, you won’t always get the spot and that’s okay. You simply need to give high school your best shot and if not everything works out, that’s okay… you can only put your best foot forward and hope for the best.” One piece of advice that Jack has for future high schoolers is to “never be afraid to try new experiences and put yourself out there.” He says that many of his favorite memories from high school were from new activities that he tried. “Being able to put yourself out there is not only a great opportunity to find new hobbies and passions, but it’s also a great way to make friends and build relationships with people.” While trying new things and putting yourself out there has been a positive experience for Jack, it can be scary for many. Jack says that coming into high school, he wishes that he knew that it’s okay to be imperfect. “If you always try to be perfect,” he says, “you’ll miss out on some of the most memorable opportunities in high school.” He urges others to try new things despite their fears. “You shouldn’t worry about how others will perceive you if you fail,” Jack says. “If something means a lot to you then you should go for it. It is through failure that we learn to truly succeed.” In looking forward to senior year, Jack is very excited for the Senior Assassins tradition (not endorsed by SMES). The tradition is a student-organized competition between anyone in the senior class who wants to participate and takes place at the end of the school year. “I intend to win,” he says. “I’ve always thought it was a super cool concept and it makes for some hilarious shenanigans.” Jack can’t wait to participate in senior assassin and the rest of his senior year with the class of 2021. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
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