Whiz Kid: Evan Richards

Each week, Arbutus Patch will feature a teen or child who has been nominated by a member of the community for doing something outstanding. Meet this week's Whiz Kid.

Name: Evan Richards

School: Senior, Lansdowne High School

Accomplishment: A member of Lansdowne High School's , Richard's extracurricular activities have included working as a page in Annapolis and electioneering at polls. "It has always been a goal of mine to become a local legislator," he says. This 17-year-old is well on his way to learning how to effect change by serving as one of the founding coordinators of the . While other teens are playing video games, Richards has been helping draft articles of incorporation, mission statements and bylaws -- essential steps to create an organization with the potential to profoundly reshape the future of this area of Baltimore County. "I do think there are others kids out there who are interested in joining various groups, but are scared to or don't know how," he says. "I encourage everyone to get involved in their community, no matter what their age is. We all have a voice, and it deserves to be heard."

Know a student who has done something outstanding? Email bruce.goldfarb@patch.com.