Burlington 12-year-old ‘making a difference’ with computer program

Sunday, August 1, 2004 3:00 AM EDT

By JOANNA MECHLINSKI

Teen magazine has named Komar one of its "Top Teens Making a Difference," which will hit the newsstands Tuesday in the Fall 2004 issue.

Three years ago, Komar was at Lake Garda School, waiting for his parents to finish speaking with his sister Ana’s teacher. A janitor who had heard that Komar was good with computers asked if he’d like an old one.

"It was this huge garage, just full of computers," Komar recalled. Right then, an idea formed.

Komar regularly visits the Department of Social Services in Farmington to find out which households are in need of computers, then sets to work refurbishing old donations.

"I put children’s educational software on them, like Reader Rabbit," he said. "I also give word processors, and printers if the people need them."

As for the actual computers, Komar has no shortage. As word of his project spread, so did the number of individuals and companies interested in donating.

"I get calls ten times a week," he said. "But I only have so much room in my garage."

Komar is currently a student at the University High School for Science and Engineering, a special magnet school run by the University of Hartford, where students can take a blend of high school and college classes. Previously, he was a student at Tunxis Community College, starting part-time during the evenings, then switching to full-time.

For his volunteer work, Komar has been commended with numerous awards, including a national Prudential Spirit of Community Award and an award called Angels in Action from toilet paper company Angel Soft in 2003.

This summer, Komar has been volunteering between six and eight hours a day at Talcott Mountain Academy and Science Center in Avon -- the school he attended until he was a 10-year-old sixth grader -- building a space simulator.

"We have a whole mission control set," he said. "It’s a first-time thing."

Schools interest Komar. Although he’d like to major in either electronics or computers, he also has a dream of starting a school for gifted students.

"My best bet is the Adirondacks," he said. "I like it there."

In his spare time, Komar enjoys playing golf, skiing, trap shooting, as well as spending time with his parents and sister Ana, 9. Despite his older companions at school, Komar said his friends are mostly between the ages of 10 and 13.

"I don’t want to stop being a child," he said.