About this column:
"Whiz Kids" is a weekly column featuring individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even teams, who wow us with their accomplishments. It posts every Tuesday at 11 a.m.Whiz Kid's Name: Christine Magill Whiz Kid's Age: 14 Whiz Kid's School: The Newman School of Boston Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: An honors student, Christine is a member of the at The Skating Club of Boston and competes in numerous skating events where she won the silver medal in the long program at The New England Regional Championship. She was also honored at the competition with a special commendation from United States Figure Skating for accumulating the top score for spins in her group. Additionally, she received the distinction of a Moves in the Field Gold Medalist and will be recognized…
Whiz Kid Group: For the Love of Cheer's Cherub Team Whiz Kid's Ages: 4-8 Whiz Kid's School: Stanley Elementary School and Burr Elementary School in Newton. Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Under the leadership of Coach Jennifer Vitone, R.N. the Cherubs earned the title of 2010-2011 EDCA Special Needs Teams Champion. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: The team received their award to a standing ovation and thunderous applause from the hundreds of people in the tournament audience. FTLOC provides this program as an opportunity for athletes with special needs to participate in a wonderful sport and …
Whiz Kid's Name: Jen Bourque Whiz Kid's Age: 17 Whiz Kid's School: Waltham High School Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Raised $200 for the Special Olympics Massachusetts by jumping into the icy waters for the 2011 Passion Plunge. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Jen is dedicated to many efforts that support people with challenges. She championed the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign at Waltham High School to eliminate the demeaning use of the word retarded. She organized a contest between each grade to see who could get the most pledges. During the summer, Jen volunteer's for Waltham Youth …
Whiz Kid's Name: Aram Gurekian Whiz Kid's Age: 17 Whiz Kid's School: Catholic Memorial School Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: A Waltham resident and member of the his school’s speech and debate team, Aram recently earned a third place title in Original Oratory at the Fr. Rippon Memorial Tournament at Regis High School in New York City. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Aram has been on the debate team since 7th grade and has received many first and second place ribbons. He is a strong competitor. In addition to his numerous awards this year, he took home the trophy as quarterfinalist at the George…
Whiz Kid’s Name: Brodie Hawkes Whiz Kid’s Age: 11 Whiz Kid’s School: Saint Jude School Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment: Started a 4-H Cloverbud program in Waltham for kids under 9 years old. Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: Brodie has always been an animal lover, starting with her family pets, a rabbit and a chicken. The chicken, Plucky, gained international fame and was given the moniker of "the feathered folk hero" who stood for chicken rights everywhere. Some of the service activities of the group include Hero Packs, where the members filled backpacks with items and mementos to help connect kids …
Whiz Kid's Name: David Cummings Whiz Kid’s Age: 11 Whiz Kid’s School: John W. McDevitt Middle School. Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment: David saved the life of his friend, Steven Giardina, who was choking on a pen cap by administering the Heimlich Maneuver. Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: When Giardina began chocking, David recalled the Heimlich lesson's most important part — to remain calm so you can perform the maneuver correctly. Mayor Jeannette McCarthy will present Cummings with a proclamation from The City of Waltham for his heroic actions on Tuesday, February 15, at 4 p.m. at City Hall. Have a…
Enzo Prado Whiz Kid’s Age: 13 Whiz Kid’s School: John W. McDevitt Middle School Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment: Prado recently set a new Waltham Boys & Girls Club swim team record for the 50 yard freestyle swimming for the under 12 age group: 27.41 seconds. Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: He previously attended the Waltham Family School, a literacy program, and has since blossomed into a successful student. He is an honor roll student and has performed well on the state’s MCAS tests, including a perfect score on the English-Language arts portion. Enzo is also an excellent painter. He is a genuinely…
