Hingham Whiz Kid: Gianna Beniers

Name:    Gianna Beniers

Age:       14

School: 

Key to Awesomeness: Commitment to priorities

 Accomplishments: 

Recent Derby Academy graduate Gianna Beniers was honored with several awards from the school and her peers – plus she enjoyed a sense of accomplishment herself.

For her pursuit of musical excellence, exceptional effort, and love of music, Gianna was chosen for Derby’s 2011 Zildjian Music Award. She enjoyed performing in Derby plays, and appreciated the acknowledgement for her hard work.

A music lover, she said singing is her favorite thing to do. Beniersbegan at age 3 in the choir. Piano and guitar lessons followed so she could accompany her singing.

 When singing or playing music, she doe not think anything else; enjoying the self-expression.

Gianna performed at Derby, and also played the role of Annie for Cohasset Dramatic Club, a high school cabaret. She sang in a Boston Theatre Works show.

 The Toppers’ (a Derby Spirit Team) win of the school’s annual Field Day Intramural competition for girls was sweeter because Beniers was captain – a role her peers chose her for. As co-captain of the cross-country team, she earned the Coach’s Award.

 Joining Derby’s lacrosse team, this was her first year playing the sport. Working hard and practicing with her brothers at home, Beniers saw improvement in herself. “Everyone helped me a lot,” she said of the great experience.

The girls varsity lacrosse team honored Beniers with the "Most Improved Player Award."

The wining teen is no stranger to working hard for something she loves.

Competing regionally as a figure skater (she started skating at age three), it became harder to manage the schedule. While she loves skating, Beniers knew that school comes first and made the decision to prioritize accordingly.

No doubt Beniers will continue to leave an imprint when she enters Milton Academy as a 9th grader this fall - giving Derby more reasons to be proud to call her their own.