Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Quinn Dolan

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 recent eight-grade graduate Quinn Dolan of St. Pius X School for his initiative in leading a school-wide community service project and receiving a full, 4-year scholarship to Monsignor Bonner High School.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Quinn Dolan

Whiz Kid's Age: 14

Whiz Kid's School: Former student at

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Quinn initiated an 8-month long community service project, getting the entire school involved to help give back and donate items to the less fortunate at the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County in Upper Darby. From toiletries to canned goods and blankets, Quinn was able to get the first graders all the way through the eighth grade class at St. Pius X to participate in giving back. Out of over 200 students who took the Monsignor Bonner exam, Quinn scored the highest and was offered the Sullivan Scholarship to Bonner High School, a full, 4-year scholarship.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Modest about his achievements, Quinn said it's really his family who has helped him achieve his success for the community service project and the high school scholarship.

"I'm just really happy that all my hard work paid off," said Quinn. "I've been raised to work hard and I'm finally rewarded–it finally happened."

After sacrificing his lunch recess every day for a month, his hard work did pay off in the end when he received one of the highest scores among his fellow classmates on St. Pius X School's 300-question exam, quizzing the students from math to reading and vocabulary.

In the midst of studying and his academics, Quinn plays golf, baseball and ice hockey. It was during one of his ice hockey games at the University of Pennsylvania that instigated his service project with the homeless.

"One day we were coming back from a game at UPenn and we passed the Life Center, and there was a humongous line," recalled Quinn. "I was telling my dad that it would be cool to help them–see how they got there and how to help."

From there, Quinn's heart to help others in need started the ball rolling to what became an entire school effort. With the help of his parents, Quinn and St. Pius X began a weekly collection bin at the school for each grade, which then Quinn and his mother would bring down to the Life Center in Upper Darby every month.

"I knew I always wanted to help the less fortunate," said Quinn. "I just didn't know that I would be heading my own project."

Although he's heading to high school, that won't stop Quinn from continuing to serve in the community and volunteering his time to give back. And, most of all, he encourages others to help the less fortunate as well.

"It's not that scary and you just have to take it in to see how grateful you are," shared Quinn. "It's not about their condition. It's about helping them. It humbles me a lot to know that we have a house and stuff."

Again, Quinn attributed his family for his dedication to service: "It's just the ways I've been raised–to help the less fortunate. It's what my parents taught me and it's stuck with me."

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.