Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 65
Value of Time Served: $2,261
Event Type: Children & Youth
Activity: Basketball
School: Doherty Memorial High School
Date: February 23, 2026
Location:
Doherty Memorial High School
Highland Street, Worcester
MA
About:
An article featured in The Telegram highlighted Jack McCann, a student-athlete whose commitment to service made a meaningful impact on his school community. Through his involvement with the special education department’s Life Skills summer program, Jack dedicated his time and energy to supporting students with diverse needs, helping to create an inclusive, welcoming, and engaging environment.
Jack’s work in the Life Skills program exemplified service-driven leadership. By working closely with students throughout the summer, he helped foster confidence and connection while gaining a deeper understanding of empathy, responsibility, and the importance of showing up for others.
Last summer, Jack applied through the Worcester Community Action Council and was placed as a student helper and peer model in Worcester Public Schools’ Extended School Year (ESY) program at South High School. The ESY program provides specialized summer instruction for students with disabilities who require continued services to prevent regression, as outlined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Although Jack was compensated for his time, he shared that the experience offered far more. He consistently described the opportunity as deeply rewarding and emphasized how much he learned from the students he supported. The experience left a lasting impression, and Jack hopes to return to the program again this coming summer.
Reflecting on his experience, Jack shared:
“I wanted to get involved with the Life Skills students at ESY because I wanted to help them learn and make sure they had some fun at the same time.”
“The experience taught me how important empathy is and how even a little help can mean a lot to someone else.”
