[ccfic caption-text format="plaintext"]
By Richard McDonough
Hometown Weekly Correspondent
Last year, Westwood was struck by tragedy when it lost Jack Jardin prematurely after a fatal car crash. On Wednesday, May 31, Jack’s life was commemorated by his family and friends along with those who ensured that his legacy would endure.
For those who did not have to pleasure of knowing him, Jack Jardin was a skilled, passion-filled videographer and filmmaker working at multiple production companies in the Boston area while pursuing his degree at Emerson College. During his time at Westwood High School, he was constantly at work in the school’s video production lab on his own projects or lending his expertise to assist others.
Despite his life being cut tragically short before fully realizing the promise he had shown since high school, Jardin’s life has been honored, ensuring that he will not soon be forgotten
Since his passing, two scholarships have be established to reward students who best honor his memory. The first recipient of the Jack Jardin Scholarship was Emily Dukeman, who was recognized for demonstrating selflessness and consideration towards classmates, faculty, and the community. This scholarship is to reward those who embody kindness and love for helping others, for which Jack himself was known.
The second winner was Chuck Bemis, who earned recognition for his dedication to video production much in the same manner Jack did while he attended the school. Faculty members who knew them both saw many similarities between the two and their unbridled passion for visual storytelling.
Both winners will be receiving well-earned assistance in financing their college educations.
In addition to rewarding those students, several new pieces of equipment were donated to bolster Westwood High School’s video production department. MaryAlice Misuta, long time video production teacher, was able to outfit her classroom with new a LED lighting grid and control panel, green screen curtain, Apple TV and monitor, and an Anycast shot mixer. Perhaps most appreciated is a switch that silences the classroom’s ventilation system; there can finally be full quiet on the set. This new equipment will allow future students to fine-tune their skills while having the opportunity to work with the latest in media production technology.
Misuta was close with Jack, imploring all students to make sure their final productions were “Jack Jardin good” before submission. He certainly set the standard for excellence while in high school.
In attendance were Jack’s parents, Doreen and John Jardin, as well as his younger sister, Isabella. They were joined by friends and classmates of Jack’s who were able to witness first hand how passionate he was about his craft. Longtime friend and neighbor Conor Emerson was able to sum up what made Jack such a remarkable person in and out of the studio:
“Jack was a perfectionist in regards to his movies, almost to the point of obsession. But it was never a selfish thing. He created wholly to share. No one was as well-rounded as Jack, in video production and in character.”
He is certainly missed dearly by the family and friends he left behind.
Those integral in raising the money for the equipment and scholarship fund deserve special recognition for ensuring that Jack’s memory is preserved. Special thanks go to Jessica and Pat Hennessy and Craig Orsini for donating equipment and resources. Additionally, Superintendent John Antonucci, Assistant Superintendent Emily Parks, and the School Committee should be recognized for their contributions to commemorating Jack’s life and making sure his legacy lives on at the school.
With the new contributions made in his name, Jack will be able to share his passions for generations to come. He will forever be remembered by students who take advantage of the school’s new equipment and those who benefit from being awarded the Jack Jardin scholarship.
Furthermore, those who knew him can take solace in the fact that he is still finding ways to inspire and help others.
