Jefferson Awards

Inspiring Teacher Keeps Students on the Run

Jefferson Award Winner: Jack Nelson

SAN LEANDRO (CBS 5) ― "I want to teach kids to help others, that service is one of the greatest things you can do in life," said Jack Nelson.

And he's doing just that, through running.

"I think it helps you in the work life, it helps you in personal life, everything," he added. "You can just approach things with a more positive attitude."

Coach Jack is a history and P.E. teacher at San Leandro High School, where he combined his passion for fitness with community service. Now, he and his students are making a real difference at their school and in their community.

Every year Jack and his students plan a long distance run and gather pledges to raise money. Part of that money goes to their school and the rest to a charity they choose. There have been runs between San Leandro schools, mini marathons from campus to campus, and in 2001, a 9/11 run for widows and children.

For eighteen years, Coach Jack and his students have been putting on these annual running events and they've raised over $110,000. Most of that money stays in San Leandro.

Principal Amy Furtado said money raised has helped offset school budget cuts. But more importantly, Coach Jack inspires the students to get involved.

"He'll take students who normally aren't in community service and challenge them to come out, 'Come do a project with me. Let's raise money to do this,'" she explained. "I think that's remarkable."
Students say Coach Jack teaches life's lessons.

"You can't quit at the race," said junior Janet Canela. "You can't quit at life, you can't quit at giving back to your community, you just can't quit!"

Senior David Fang said, "Just giving back to your community just makes you feel stronger and like makes you a better person."

What keeps Jack Nelson going is a small reminder he carries in his wallet: a copy of the check he brought to the New York widows and children's fund after 9/11.

"It reminds me that I need to stay on it, that I need to keep working hard, I need to be the best teacher," he said. "It's great to be a teacher. It's still the greatest job in the world."

For putting kids on track to better serve their communities, this week's Jefferson Award in the Bay Area goes to Jack Nelson.

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