Whiz Kid: John Gewargis

Each week, "Whiz Kid" highlights a local kid who's done something worthy of a shoutout.  

John Gewargis

○    Whiz Kid's Age: 18

○      Whiz Kid's School: Maine East High School.  

○      Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: John won the February "207's Best" award for his school. Each month, Maine Township High School District 207 gives out the awards--one for each of the three schools in the district. 

Despite not buckling down on his studies as much as he thinks he should have freshman year, John went into overdrive after that. He has a 4.2 grade point average, with straight As, and he ranks 20th in Maine East’s senior class of 466.

○      Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: John reports that Maine East Principal Mike Pressler said John "is into the teacher's lessons--I actually want to learn."

Here's how Pressler put it in a letter: “According to his teachers, John is a tremendous thinker who takes his learning personally, seriously, and joyfully.  He has a remarkable intellect, an open and intellectually curious disposition, and a passion for tackling tough questions with a disciplined, flexible and well-informed approach.”

For extracurricular activities, John joined the Scholastic Bowl team, which he describes as kind of like the game show "Jeopardy." The team travels to other schools to compete. 

He also participates in the school's mock trials, where students play the roles of attorneys, judges, etc. in courtroom scenarios.

John has been accepted at Marquette University in their bioengineering program, and at the University of Illinois in chemical engineering. 

Know of a Whiz Kid? Send us your suggestion by telling us in the comments, or e-mail Pam@patch.com.