Whiz Kids: This Week's Loves Animals

• Whiz Kid's Name - Charlotte Burns

• Whiz Kid's Age - 18

• Whiz Kid's School - Timber Creek Regional High School

• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment - Charlotte ranks 14th in Timber Creek's 380-plus-student Class of 2011, carrying a 4.4 GPA. While her accomplishments in the classroom are impressive, it's the Erial teen's volunteer work that calls out for attention. An aspiring veterinarian, Charlotte has volunteered at the Camden County Animal Shelter since August 2009.

• Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness - What started as a way of volunteering became a passion. Our words can't express what the animal shelter now means to Charlotte, so we'll let her words due the explaining. Here's what she wrote about her experience at the shelter for a scholarship competition: I never thought that my greatest inspiration would come from a small, somewhat smelly, run-down building minutes from my house—but it did. Two years ago I became a volunteer at the Camden County Animal Shelter. From my time at the shelter I have accomplished more than I have in my past 12 years of school. With the help of a youth mentor I was taught the basics of a veterinarian technician working with both cats and dogs. However, not only did I learn about medications and various viruses, but how to show compassion towards other living beings when they need it the most. My furry friends also taught me how to fortify myself against tragedy. As a result I gained an understanding of what it means to be a professional. Today I am a member of the Intensive Care Unit staff. The time I have spent working with animals has made me want to advance my education in veterinary medicine.

Editor's Note: Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kids honoree.

Each week, GloucesterTownship.Patch.com 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 we'll select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to sean.mccullen@patch.com or triciacadkins@comcast.net. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's Email
• 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 to have you submit a photograph or to assign a photographer to take a photo of the Whiz Kid. For questions, email sean.mccullen@patch.com.