Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Caroline Tumolo

Each week, Marple Newtown Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. This week we highlight Caroline Tumolo, a junior at Cardinal O'Hara, who is a dedicated volunteer at her alma mater St. Pius X School in Broomall.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Caroline Tumolo

Whiz Kid's Age: 16

Whiz Kid's Hometown: Broomall

Whiz Kid's School: Cardinal O'Hara/ alum

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Since she's graduated from St. Pius X, Caroline has stayed involved and committed to giving back to the school by volunteering her time teaching and coaching as an assistant for the school's junior cheerleaders for the past two years.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: "Well, my dad asked me if I was interested in doing it," said Caroline. "I guess I just wanted to see if I liked it. I love cheerleading and I love little kids."

Caroline started volunteering two years ago and started with field training with the junior cheerleaders at her primary school and then began volunteering her time during summer camp, which involves dance and cheer programs. Most of the students she helps teach are under fifth grade.

"They're really cute," said Caroline about teaching the young cheerleaders. "I like it a lot."

Caroline has been cheerleading since she was in the sixth grade at St. Pius X and continued through the eighth grade, cheering at the school's football games. One of her passions in life, Caroline has still continues to cheer at her high school now at Cardinal O'Hara.

"I've always done other sports but I just really love cheering," said Caroline.

Growing up with older influences and inspirations while she was a young cheerleader, volunteering with the junior cheerleaders seemed like the natural next step.

"I watched a lot of older people doing cheerleading and a bunch of girls who cheered when I was younger–my frend's cousin–and best friend's sister was also a coach," shared Caroline.

Clearly one of her biggest passions in life, a big part of Caroline's decision to choose O'Hara was whether or not her high school would have a cheer team.

"I was debating other all girls schools but they didn't have a cheerleading team," explained Caroline.

Her first experiences cheerleading could be one of her favorites as she remembers all her friends were on the team and made the whole experience that much more sweeter. What she experienced at a young age, Caroline hopes the younger girls will also be able to experience while cheering.

"All my friends are all on my team. We weren't really very good but all my friends all did it and tried out one year eventhough we never cheered," remembered Caroline. "But it was just really fun and our coaches were really fun. When you're cheerleading, it's always upbeat or positive. I hope the little girls will like it and I hope they have fun as much as I do when I went to St. Pius."

Though she's picked up a job now and just made varsity for O'Hara's cheer team, Caroline hasn't had much time–putting in two weekday practices and a Sunday–to volunteer with the junior cheerleaders this school year but hopes to go back to summer cheer camp and teach the young cheerleaders again.

Caroline still has time to decide where she would like to go to college but told Patch that if she attended a school close to home, she hoped to come back and volunteer with the young cheerleaders during her breaks.

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 Kid honoree. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Send nominations to jennifer.kim@patch.com.