Whiz Kid: Yelnats Calvin

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: Yelnats Calvin

School: Junior, Lansdowne High School

Accomplishments: Ranked sixth in his class with a GPA of 3.64, Calvin is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a three-season athlete in soccer, indoor track and outdoor track, and plays saxophone in the school’s band and jazz band.

Calvin was selected as a participant in the 2011 Telluride Summer Program for Intergenerational Justice at Cornell University. He was among 60 participants selected from more than 1,000 qualified students who applied, and was recommended based on his PSAT performance and his standing as a potential National Merit Scholar. Calvin wrote an analytical essay for admission, and as a finalist had to build a portfolio and complete an interview with Cornell personnel. Calvin will spend six weeks at Cornell University, during which he will attend academic seminars, write analytical responses, and participate in a public speaking program.

Know a student who has done something outstanding? E-mail bruce.goldfarb@patch.com.