Bloom Student Returns From DC With Plans to Take Flight: Whiz Kid

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Gerardo Flores

Whiz Kid's Age: 17

Whiz Kid's School:

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: From Sept. 7, 2010 through Jan. 21, 2011, Gerardo served as a page sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.  There are various ways to serve as a page.

“My favorite would be where I would raise up the flag to announce that the house was in session," said Gerardo, who donated an American flag to Bloom High school that had flown over the capitol on Jan. 14. 

Gerardo is also in the top 20 percent of his senior class.

Whiz Kid's Key To Awesomeness:  Before Gerardo's time as a page, he went to Washington D.C. to fight for funding for the trio program, which assists Upward Bound, a program for those seeking help in attending college. The trio program also helps people to stay in college and helps veterans and elderly people take college courses as well. 

“Being in Washington D.C. really opens your eyes as to how the government works," Gerardo said. "We, as United States residents, have to get more involved. We need to send letters when you feel something is wrong. The politicians do take initiative.”

Whiz Kid's Goal: Gerardo is planning to go to pilot school at O’Hare International Airport in hopes of one day becoming an airline pilot. He is looking into different grants to assist him in this.

“I’m going to miss Bloom says the senior,  I have liked the four years that I have been here," Gerardo said. "I’m ready for college and my next step is to fly and accomplish my goals.”

Got a Whiz Kid? Send an email to christopher.paicely@patch.com.