Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Mohammed Toure

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 rising senior Mohammed Toure of Episcopal Academy (EA), who has accomplished more than the average student accomplishes in all their years of high school from athletics and academics to the social aspects–all after running from his home in war-torn *Liberia and a refugee camp in Guinea.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Mohammed Toure

Whiz Kid's Age: 17

Whiz Kid's School:

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: In his three years at Episcopal, Mohammed has made the most of every opportunity thrown his way. He is a member of the track team, a founding member and co-president of the EA Science Society, a member of the French Club, a frequent contributor to many community service activities, the striker for the school's varsity soccer team, and was elected as co-president of the student council by his peers.

In addition, Mohammed has served as an intern at a research lab at the University of Pennsylvania with Dr. Jean Bennett and her team, working to find a cure for macular degeneration and blindness through gene therapy. This summer, Mohammed attended MIT’s youth program, where he took part in experiential programs and expanded his work into areas of biochemical engineering.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Mohammed grew up in Guinea after fleeing with his family from his home in Liberia where an ongoing war had ensued. After receiving refugee status with his family in Guinea, Mohammed and his family were able to move to the United States in 2007. Mohammed soon enrolled at the Harris School in Collingdale–which is a K-8th grade school–and applied for a scholarship to EA.

"I liked the academic curriculum and program that EA offered than other places," said Mohammad after much researching.

But the biggest key factor for Mohammed came financially.

"I received a full scholarship at EA which was one of my key components in making that decision," said Mohammed, number five of eight children in his family. "My parents were just moving to the United States and they were just starting all over again. It came in the best times. EA had a great scholarship offer and great academic programs so i tried to seize that opportunity."

And seize he did, despite not knowing anyone and in a completely different environment than what he was used to at Harris.

"When I got to EA, it was different from the school I had been attending with the social atmosphere," explained Mohammed. "The school was at first very challenging. It was hard to get used to. Also in the beginning, I didn't know anyone at the school at the time."

But Mohammed quickly overcame his initial hesitations and soon ran for vice president of his class. He is now co-president of the student body.

"It feels good like I accomplished something," said Mohammed. "I don't know how to put this in words but it was just a long journey. I feel like I have contributed to certain things and I'm also glad that people have acknowledged that."

Mohammed has come a long ways since his days in Guinea but shared that he still misses the place and his friends there, but he wouldn't change the experiences he has received from coming to EA.

"I try to think about it like it's not necessarily who I am now but who I am not because of my experiences," shared Mohammed. "If I had stayed in Guinea, I wouldn't have been the same person I would be right now–the experiences wouldn't be the same. It's been a blessing."

Currently, Mohammed is aspiring to study chemical or biological engineering to become a medical doctor someday to help those in need still in Guinea.

"I hope I can contribute in some way back in Guinea. If things work out, definitely as a medical doctor as well as contributing in some way to help improve the education system there," said Mohammed.

*A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Mohammed was from Nigeria, not Liberia. 

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.