Whiz Kid: Abigail Gardner

Whiz Kid: Abigail (Abby) Gardner, 17

School: Downers Grove North High School

Accomplishments: Abby is one a very elite few who qualified as a finalist in the 2011 National Achievement Scholarship Program.

Key to Awesomeness: Abby describes herself as being “passionate, determined and ambitious.” She is also smart, articulate and talented. In the fall, Abby plans to attend Northwestern University where she will major in environmental engineering.

“I’ve always known that I want to make an impact on our world, and especially with the magnitude of environmental issues impacting our environment combined with my love of math and science, this field seems just about perfect for me” she said.  “I hope and plan to travel in my career to aid impoverished countries that are blighted by environmental issues, and work as an environmental engineer to correct these problems.”

Abby, who participates in the DGN choir and is an actress, model and singer who who is represented by a Chicago talent agency, said that she will either minor in theater or perhaps works towards a certificate in musical theater at Northwestern.

Abby’s extracurricular activities include tennis and, outside of school, she’s volunteered with her parish community’s PADS program, Chicago Food Depository and Volunteer Work and Restoration Days through the DuPage County Forest Preserve District.  She’s also worked as a counselor at a camp for individuals with special needs.

“It all seems very eclectic, I know," she said. "But I have so many interests and want to pursue them all!”