Whiz Kid: BHS Senior is National Merit Commended Student

Each week,  Patch 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. Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout? Did your local soccer team take the championship? Or maybe your youngster just did all of his or her chores this weekend? They can all be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree.

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Local Editor Brian Feldt at brianf@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information included below.

But enough with the plugs, this week's Whiz Kid is...

• Whiz Kid: Cailin O'Donnell
• Age: Senior
• School: 
• Key to Awesomeness: Bolingbrook High School senior Cailin O’Donnell has been named a Commended Student for 2012 by the National Merit Scholarship Program, according to Principal Fabby Williams. O’Donnell was honored for being among the top 5 percent of the 1.5 million students who took the qualifying test nearly a year ago to earn the National Merit Scholarship Corporation honor for their “exceptional academic promise." She is a member of the BHS National Honor Society and the 2012 Graduation Committee and is a former member of Interact Club. She also volunteers her time at the Fox Meadow Farm Stable in Bolingbrook. “Recognition of high achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation,” said an NMSC spokesperson. “As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, Commended Students represent some of the most academically talented students in our country.” (Courtesy of Valley View School District)