Whiz Kid: Kelly Sweeney

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Kelly Sweeney

Name: Kelly Sweeney, Age 18

School/Organization:  A senior at Enunclaw High School, Kelly is a 3.87 student who has taken seven Advanced Placement classess; biology being among her favorite as she has plans to major in biology in college in order to attend physical therapy school. In pursuit of her career, Kelly is also taking human anatomy and physiology while volunteering at a PT clinic to gain insight and experience.

At Enumclaw High, Kelly is a member of the National Honor Society, she is captain of the varsity golf team, co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and president of the Key Club, a community service club that works with Kiwanis. She previously played the cello with the school orchestra before turning her attention to the school paper.

Her involvement in school activities helped steer her toward projects that benefitted her community as well. Kelly had helped teach the cello weekly to students at Southwood Elementary School through the Magic Strings program. Her involvement in the Key Club saw to her helping to construct a playground at Nolte State Park, and her love for golf found her helping out last summer at the junior golf camp, a program run at the Enumclaw Golf Course.

Biggest Accomplishment: "It's with golf, because at the end of this year, I was the No. 1 player in Enumclaw High School history on the women's golf team and they've been keeping those records since 1979, I believe. It's just that all of the achievements with golf taught me about leadership and how if I set my mind to something, then I'm able to do it -- that hard work is always the answer to any question in life."

Key to Awesomeness:  "I think it's been the support of my parents because all throughout my life they've let me try new things. They never said I couldn't because of money or anything like that. They kept all the doors open for me to try and through whatever I did, they suppported me and gave me encouragement. And never let me give up."

College Plans: Kelly is looking toward attending a four-year university next fall and has already received acceptance from Willamette University in Salem, Ore., though not all schools have sent out their notifications just yet. Wherever she goes, she plans to major in biology with an eye toward a career in physical theraphy.

And she'll be playing golf.

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree.

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information toapril.chan@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information

●      Nominator's Name

●      Nominator's E-Mail

●      Whiz Kid's Name

●      Whiz Kid's Age

●      Whiz Kid's School

●      Whiz Kid's Accomplishment

●      Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail april.chan@patch.com.