Whiz Kid: A Green Teen

Name: Brigid Connell

Age: 17

School: Haddonfield Memorial High School

Accomplishment: Helped Haddonfield be certified as a green community in the Sustainable New Jersey program

Key to Awesomeness: 

It started as a Girl Scouts project for Brigid Connell, but ended with a plaque and recognition in a recent Board of Commissioner’s meeting.

Connell spearheaded an effort to help the borough make greener decisions and adopt more environmentally friendly practices as part of the Sustainable New Jersey campaign.

The state program certifies communities that have established procedures for better environmental and sustainable practices, such as support for local economy and use of community resources; practicing responsible environmental management and conservation, and embracing social equity and fairness. Haddonfield is one of only 67 towns out of 326 in the state that are participating to have been certified a green town. 

Connell helped Haddonfield start a green team to look at energy sustainability, do energy audits, establish a green business recognition program and several other key goals.

She said her efforts were a win-win for her and Haddonfield.

“I worked really hard, especially over the summer,” Connell said “It’s great to see that Haddonfield has been recognized as a green community. It also feels great that I got my Girl Scouts gold award, which is comparable to becoming an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts.  

“Everyone has the opportunity to help the environment. Everyone can insulate their house or change to energy-efficient light bulbs. This is a green town and we need to reflect it in our citizens need to make it a daily part of our lives.”

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree.

Each week, Haddonfield 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.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to me at bill.duhart@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. For questions, e-mail bill.duhart@patch.com