Dancer, Honor Student Zoe Hollinshead: Whiz Kid of the Week

The question for this week's Cascade Patch Whiz Kid of the Week is not what does she do but, rather, what does she not do?

That's because it seems Zoe Hollinshead, 13, excels at everything.

An honor student in the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program at Sandtown Middle School, Zoe scored above 900 on the social studies portion of the CRCT and scored an "exceeds standards" on every other subject. 

But, school's just a walk in the park for this talented Atlanta native.

Her real talent is in dance.

Zoe is a company member of Dancemakers of Atlanta, which has headquarters right here in Cascade Heights. 

Last year, Zoe won the coveted New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA) Regional Junior Outstanding Dancer trophy. She also has competed in six other regional competitions with Dancemakers and in two regional competitions with the Spelman College Dance Company.

Mom Pam Hollinshead, who submitted Zoe's Whiz Kid nomination, says Zoe has a kind heart and a good sense of humor:

"Zoe is a true free spirit. She is open to new experiences, makes friends easily, studies hard and always strives to do her best. Having discovered her passion for dance at an early age, she pursues excellence in dance as well as in her school studies. She has a wonderful sense of humor and can tell "knock knock" jokes that make you laugh even if they are corny. Always sensitive to other people's feelings she is quick with a positive compliment if you are feeling bad. Zoe is a joy to be around and makes me smile all of the time."

Sound like a winner? We thought so!

Congratulations Zoe, you are the "Cascade Patch Whiz Kid of the Week!"

Editor's Note: Know a talented, hard-working, achieving youth or youth organization in southwest Atlanta or South Fulton? If so, don't forget to nominate him or her for Cascade Whiz Kid of the Week.

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to janita.poe@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 or you can e-mail one of your own.