I first saw Jack Hoffman on Master Chef Junior Season One, easily recognizable in his Hawaiian shirt. I rooted for him the entire season knowing that he was representing Long Island. Little did I know that he would be transferring schools to Woodmere Middle School in seventh grade and that there was so much more to Hoffman than just his culinary skills.
The first class I had with Hoffman was Chemistry Honors with Jim Perkins our sophomore year. Instead of just listening and writing down notes, Hoffman would ask questions. The questions that he asked were so complex that everyone in the class learned to admire his very inquisitive nature.
Another thing to know about Hoffman is that he is not afraid of challenging himself with difficult classes. Some of his favorite classes during high school include AP Macroeconomics, AP Capstone Research, College Money and Investments, AP U.S. History (APUSH), AP European History, AP Government and Politics, AP Calc BC, AP Physics (1 and C) and College Marketing.
Hoffman excelled in AP Macroeconomics.
“He is the type of student of whom most teachers dream,” Hoffman’s Macro teacher Rachel Rosenberg said. “Hoffman is exceptionally bright, intellectually curious and is able to grasp even the toughest content quickly. I always admired and respected the way in which he consistently wanted to know more about that which we were studying. It was never enough just to be told that an economic relationship or condition existed, he wanted to know why it was present and under what other economic conditions such a circumstance would take place. Although his academic accomplishments speak for themselves, what I always have respected most about Hoffman is his kind heartedness and the respect that he gives to others. Despite his incredible achievements, he is as humble and kind as can be. For example, if I was already working with a student in class, he was always quick to offer to help one of his peers until I was able to walk over to assist. He recognizes his intellectual gifts and rather than gloat about them, he shares his talent in ways that benefit others. This is a true testament to Hoffman’s character and integrity. He deserves only good things and I wish him only the best as he leaves George W. Hewlett High School.”
Hoffman applied his knowledge of economics in a professional setting as a Finance Intern for Magna Management in the summer of 2019. He analyzed projects using financial modeling and designed an intuitive system for a direct mail campaign.
“Hoffman is highly intelligent, yet extremely humble,” his classmate Kayley Ragazzini said. “But more importantly, Hoffman is a great guy and a reliable friend. He is always able to put a smile on my face from his unique sense of humor.”
“Hoffman has worked extremely hard and still makes time for helping others,” another classmate, Sam Grauer, said. “He is extremely ambitious and I cannot wait to see his success in the future.”
Hoffman has a great interest in business. Business teacher Jared Pitelli said that Hoffman “is an incredible kid.” Hoffman “has a true passion for learning and it is obvious from his time in my class how much he enjoys the business world… he strives towards his goals and does not let obstacles get in the way. I have no doubt he is on his way to being very successful and I look forward to hearing about his future accomplishments,” said Pitelli.
Hoffman was involved in DECA from freshman through senior year. He was Chapter President this past year. He competed at both a state level in Business Finance in 2016-2017 and competed at an international level in Entrepreneurship in 2017-2018. Business teacher Robert Machado put it simply, describing Hoffman as “a go-getter.”
In addition to business and economics, he has a deep interest in history.
“I first met Hoffman as a student in AP European History,” Hoffman’s teacher Patricia Nardi said. “I found him to be inquisitive, industrious and responsible. In class, his questions and discussion reflect not only his interest in history, but also his curiosity about the impact of leadership upon human events. What is most memorable, however, is his personal and intellectual growth as a writer, leader and humanitarian. Hoffman has demonstrated the refreshing and inspiring ability to do what is right rather than what is easy.”
Hoffman’s APUSH teacher also spoke highly about Hoffman.
“He is a remarkable student who has a true passion for learning not just in one academic area but in many different fields,” Mariah Duffy said. “In AP U.S. History, he was extremely inquisitive and well-versed with current events. I always enjoyed our conversations outside the classroom especially regarding our nation in economic affairs.”
Social Studies teacher Joseph Zarodkiewicz added, “I had the pleasure to have Hoffman in Global History I Honors freshman year, and in AP U.S. Government and Politics junior year. Hoffman always mastered the background reading and he was up to date with current events. As a result, he was able to make sophisticated connections and apply theories to new situations. He is ambitious, mature, thoughtful and skilled and he took many of the most challenging courses our school offers. Outside of the classroom, Hoffman worked on a congressional campaign as a graphic designer and he had a paid internship for an alternative investment fund manager. I will miss his enthusiasm for learning and his smile. He has a very bright future ahead of him and I wish him the best.”
In addition to his many academic achievements, Hoffman founded a club in school called the Web Design and Marketing Club. He started this club as a way “to bring together business and art-oriented students to discover overlaps in skills and products.”
Hoffman also participated in the athletics department at Hewlett. He was part of the tennis team starting in 2017 and became Captain in eleventh and twelfth grade of the Hewlett High School Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team. He also participates in activities involving tennis outside of school, serving as a private tennis instructor and tennis coach at SPORTIME.
In recognition of Hoffman’s academic and extracurricular achievements, Hoffman received multiple awards during the Hewlett High School Community Recognition Awards Ceremony. He received the Robert Carp Memorial Scholarship, the Hewlett High School Social Studies Award, the Richard B. Stoll Memorial Scholarship, the Town of Hempstead Certificate of Recognition and the DECA award.
He will be studying at Northeastern University and is planning on majoring in economics and business with concentrations in finance and entrepreneurship. And if you were wondering, like I was, he still cooks on occasion, but not professionally. I wish Hoffman all the best in his future endeavors and I am excited to see the many great things he will accomplish.