Channahon's Dynamic Duo

I have been scrambling this entire week to get an interview for today’s Whiz Kid column. Normally I do not have a problem, but three potential interviewees never returned the multiple emails and telephone calls. What was I to do? No story and the deadline was approaching quickly.

I realize that I have written about some amazing students in and . There are outstanding athletes; those who excel in their studies; those who have helped in the community; and those with unique talents that I have been in awe of.

But this week I looked no further than my own backyard. I have two amazing “Whiz Kids” living under my roof. And those two girls are my daughters , 12, a seventh grader at Channahon Junior High School and Maddy, 10, a fifth grader at Three Rivers School. Both have some unique talents and skills that I ‘m proud of and would like to share with Patch readers.

Academics

has always been a high honors student. She has been in honors classes since third grade. She is the type of student who gets frustrated if she does not get an A. And, at age 12, she already knows what she wants to be when she grows up. She wants to be an aerospace engineer. She wants to travel to the Moon and the planet Mars. She wants to construct a spacecraft that will accommodate taller individuals. 

Abby is set to graduate from Stanford University and work for NASA. She does have a Top 10 list of college and universities that she will consider if her top choice falls through.

Maddy on the other hand just made the honor roll this semester for the first time. She enjoys school and her college plans are closer to home. She would like to attend the culinary arts school at Joliet Junior College. She would like to be a baker like her idol Buddy Valastro, a.k.a. the Cake Boss.

You may have read her here on Patch about her plans to own a bakery in Channahon in the near future. She has drawn up plans on what her bakery will look like and where it will be in the village. She also has an exquisite menu, which includes cakes, cookies and pies that is sure to tantalize many tastebuds.

Extra-circular Activities

Abby has been the jock of the family. She is an avid waterskiier. She played several years of soccer. She also participated in volleyball and fencing. But her heart is in the game of basketball. She has been playing the sport since Kindergarten. This year she made the school team. Her dream is to play for Stanford University.

Maddy did not do sports. She wouldn’t even try. She did take a liking to Karate and has excelled to brown belt. But this year she came out of her shell and sports are her life. She enjoyed running for the cross-country team and is now participating in intramural volleyball at school. She plans to also participate in basketball too.

Both girls have inherited the talent of music. Not only did their father play clarinet, I still play clarinet and currently play with the JJC Community Concert Band. Both girls began on the piano. Maddy took lessons and Abby taught herself to play. Reading music came easily to both of them. Abby has played trombone since fifth grade and is also in the school jazz and pep bands. Maddy has just started the French Horn.

Choir has been a part of their lives as well. Abby is looking forward to the participating in the upcoming Geography Bee, Creative Crafters and the Math and Science Team. Maddy is in the Recycling Group. The group recycles and learns about the importance of recycling. Maddy is also enjoying her second year as a Junior Girl Scout.

In the spare time they have, they enjoy going to museums, the zoo and to National Parks. Abby enjoys reading; sometimes two or three books at a time. Maddy enjoys playing outside, riding her bike and putting puzzles together.