Whiz Kid: Erin McGuire of Lacey Township, 17

Name: Erin McGuire, 17, Lacey Township

School: Lacey Township High School

Accomplishment: Erin is ranked in the top 2 percent of her class with a grade point average of 4.66. She is a two-year member of the National Honor Society and has been on the high honor roll throughout her time at Lacey Township High School. Her SAT scores also exceed the 1,400 mark in math and critical reading.

Key to Awesomeness: Erin is well rounded, selfless, and humble, Principal Will Zylinski said. Erin is a member of the gymnastics and track teams and has been awarded for her academic excellence as a varsity athlete. She is also a member of the physics club, the math team, Interact, and the student government. Erin serves as a “Big Sister,” mentoring young students as part of the Association Against Drugs and Alcohol (AADA). She is known for her contributions to the science fair and for having perfect attendance. Erin also serves at her church, helping with projects such as clothing drives, and in the community by working with the elderly in an assisted living facility. Erin has also volunteered at community recreational basketball leagues. Erin enjoys photography and cooking, as she is a vegan. She plans to major in nutrition at Drexel University in the fall.

NOMINATE A WHIZ KID

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

Each week, Patch's Jersey Shore region will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Elaine Piniat and the Patch's Jersey Shore Moms Council at elaine.piniat@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?)

●      A photo of the Whiz Kid

If your nominee is selected and you cannot provide a photo, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail Elaine Piniat and the Jersey Shore Patch's Moms Council at elaine.piniat@patch.com.