Whiz Kid: Melissa Anderson

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

Melissa Anderson

○    Whiz Kid's Age: 15

○      Whiz Kid's School: Resurrection High School  

○      Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Melissa is receiving an award from the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago for her activities at St. John Brebeuf Church in Niles. They include participating in the handbell choir, as an alter server and as a member of the St. John Brebeuf parish youth ministry. 

Since the Chicago archdiocese is so large, it's divided geographically into vicariates. The Niles area is in Vicariate 2, and it's presenting Melissa with the Vicariate 2 Youth Leadership Award in the category of prayer and worship. 

She'll receive the award at a banquet Sunday, March 6 at White Eagle Banquets in Niles. 

○      Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Melissa keeps a full schedule at school and in volunteer activities. Last month, she and 12 other Niles Girl Scouts received the Silver Award, the second-highest award in Girl Scouting. They worked as a team, but Melissa plans to soon begin working on the Gold Award, the highest award, which requires a solo effort. 

This Whiz Kid just made the softball team at Resurrection, where she also takes part in Yoga Club, Film Critics and Student Council.

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