White Plains Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Naledge Wilder

Each week, White Plains 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 dina.sciortino@patch.com

Here's our story on this week's Patch Whiz Kid: Naledge Wilder

Whiz Kid's Age: 9 years old

Whiz Kid's Grade/School: Third grader at Church Street Elementary School

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Working hard to succeed

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Naledge entered the second grade when he moved from South Carolina to live with his grandparents in White Plains in the summer of 2009.  In South Carolina he was retained twice in the first grade. He could not spell his name, add, subtract or pour a cup of water without spilling it. Naledge was classified as having severe special needs.

While attending Mamaroneck Avenue School, Naledge worked very hard with his caring teachers and grandmother, even sacrificing playtime, to advance his education. At the end of his first year, he could read, add, subtract, tell stories and pour juice without spilling a drop.

This year he attends Church Street School, and  is doing even more. He is no longer classified with severe special needs. Naledge can now take New York State standardized tests and will go on to achieve great success.

Let’s give it up for Naledge, and all the hard working students, grandparents, teachers and school staff who make success like Naledge’s possible!

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