Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Derek Lin of Washington Township also competes in chess tournaments
Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Derek Lin, 9.5, Jessie F. George Elementary School Accomplishment: This Washington Township fourth-grader plays musical instruments, participates in chess tournaments at the Bergen Academies in Hackensack and attends Rockland Chinese School. Derek has been playing piano for more than four years, guitar for two years and took up trombone at George School this year. He had a trombone solo in one of the concerts. He is at the top of his class at Rockland Chinese School, often winning speech awards. He has also been a member of the gifted and talented program in the Westwood Regional School District since first grade. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Derek not only does well in school, but he is a history buff in his …
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Sara Buchner of Washington Township juggles a hectic schedule
Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Sara Buchner, 10, Jessie F. George Elementary School Accomplishment: This Washington Township fifth-grader is an accomplished gymnast who travels throughout New York to compete. She is a level 7 gymnast in New York and has traveled as far as Buffalo for competitions. Her mom, Michele Buchner, said next year Sara will begin traveling out of state since she'll be at level 8. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Sara is driven to do her best in school, getting straight As while in the gifted and talented program. She also likes to volunteer for projects when she can. Her mom says she's an avid reader and writer. She also snowboards. And she does all this while practicing gymnastics in Rockland County, N.Y. three and a …
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Eric Lee, a senior at Bergen County Academies, wants to be an electrical engineer and inventor
Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Eric Lee, 18, Bergen County Academies Accomplishment: This Westwood resident has been named a semifinalist for the 2011 U.S. Physics Team. He was chosen from among 3,000 students from throughout the country as a semifinalist. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Eric doesn't give up. He tried out for the Physics Team last year but didn't make it out of the qualifying round. To prepare for the test this year, he studied more and took an advanced AP Physics course. In addition to his interest in science, Eric also participates in math competitions. In his spare time, he likes to golf and he is quick to solve the Rubik's cube. Q&A with Eric:
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Rachel Cherrey is also a great student
Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Rachel Cherrey, 10, Washington Elementary School Accomplishment: This Washington Township resident is a member of the Girl Scouts and received a Bronze Award for participating in a project where the troop made hug pillows, bracelets, cookies and pencil holders for the pediatric oncology nurses of New York Presbyterian Hospital. Her mother Carla is one of the troop leaders. Rachel is also a straight A student and Carla said she's always striving for the A+. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Rachel is very creative, using her talents in the kitchen and on paper to express herself. She loves baking, getting her start as a preschooler with her mom. Now she's able to make creations on her own, including her favorite: …
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Jadyn Hermanns is involved in gymnastics, soccer and Girl Scouts
Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Jadyn Hermanns, 10, Washington Elementary School Accomplishment: This Washington Township resident is a successful gymnast who has been practicing since she was 3. Jadyn is a Level 7 gymnast at ENA Gymnastics in Paramus, training for 18 hours per week. She placed sixth in the state two years in a row. Jadyn doesn't just focus on gymnastics, though. She plays soccer and has been on the U11 Girls Dragons soccer team in the township for four years. She has also been a Girl Scout since kindergarten. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Jadyn is able to manage her time and participate in several time-consuming activities. She has come up with a system to get everything done, which often means staying up late to do homework…
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Ashley Agnello is part of a nine-member team in the Sprite Refreshing Films contest
Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Ashley Agnello, 16, Immaculate Heart Academy Accomplishment: This sophomore from Washington Township was chosen to participate in the Sprite Refreshing Films contest with nine other teens in the New York City Metropolitan area. Ashley and her teammates created a short film from a script a college intern had written. The first round of competition is currently happening between the New York City team and Chicago until April 11. Residents can view the films and learn how to vote by clicking here. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Ashley is passionate about making films. She's a member of Get Reel, the IHA film club. She is also involved in WIHA, the school news station that broadcasts morning announcements to each …
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Jesse McCarter is involved in many activities
Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Jesse McCarter, 10, Washington Elementary School Accomplishment: This fourth-grader from Washington Township is quite accomplished for her age. She won a $50 savings bond in a poster contest about safety that was done through the township police department. She is on the township swim team and placed first in the freestyle competition for girls ages 9-10. In third grade, Jesse received second place in the Continental Math League Award. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Jesse is not only interested in excelling in her activities. She also likes to help others. Inspired by her sister's friend who had leukemia, she donated 10 inches of hair to Locks of Love to help make wigs for children who suffer from long-term …
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The girls also play sports, draw and bake decorative goodies
Patch Whiz Kids of the Week: Gabby and Isabelle Romero, 10, Jessie F. George Elementary School Accomplishment: These twins from Washington Township are helping animals by collecting food for no-kill animal shelter Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge (R.B.A.R.I.) in Oakland through their Girl Scout troop. Whiz Kids' Key to Awesomeness: Gabby and Isabelle do more than just Girl Scouts. They are both involved in Yearbook Club, which meets once a week, and they play recreational sports, including cheerleading, soccer, basketball and club softball. They also enjoy baking decorative treats and drawing. They have entered a contest to have a logo they create featured on Google for a day. Q&A with Gabby and Isabelle:
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Daniela Kaim has extensive gymnastic training, piano lessons and schoolwork each week
Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Daniela Kaim, 10, Washington Elementary School Accomplishment: This rhythmic gymnast from Washington Township won all three gold medals in the 2011 Glitz Invitational NJ State Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship at the end of February. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Daniela is not only a successful gymnast, but she is also a great student and piano player. She has a very busy schedule, training 14 hours a week in gymnastics and taking piano lessons once a week, in addition to completing all her schoolwork. Q&A with Daniela:
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tyler Downey is an honor student who earned a black belt and loves football
Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Tyler Downey, 11, Westwood Regional Middle School Accomplishment: This sixth-grader from Washington Township won the Continental Mathematics League Award twice, in second and fourth grades, and placed twice, in third and fifth grades. He became a black belt in Tae Kwon Do last March, has been in the gifted and talented program since third grade and is a published poet. He also plays football despite having a congenital heart defect. Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Tyler is a well-rounded pre-teen who plays the trumpet in the school band and director-chosen ensemble and participates in football after getting permission from his doctor. He is focused on all of his activities, which he said is the key to his success…
Danielle Sammarco-Bortz
12:15 pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Carla, you and your family must be SO proud! Congratulations! more ›