Whiz Kid: Andover's Baum Accepted as U.S. Senate Page

Each week, Bloomfield Patch features students doing amazing things in their schools and in their communities. This week's Whiz Kid is starting a unique journey in the fast-paced world of Washington D.C. politics.

Daniel Baum

• Age: 16
• School: 
• Achievement: Baum, a junior at Andover, was selected for the fall 2012-13 semester to work as a U.S. Senate Page by Sen. Debbie Stabenow. The prestigious program, started by Daniel Webster in 1829, is the currently only one of its kind in the Senate. The program is limited to 30 high school juniors from across the country. Academic standing is one the most important criteria in final selection of Pages.
  
  Baum will move to Daniel Webster Hall later this month and study in classes specifically for senate pages during the fall semester. Page work involves carrying legislation and correspondence throughout the Senate, preparing the desks of those who make up the legislative body.
  
  Prior to beginning that phase of his journey, however, Daniel will travel to Charlotte as a Page for the Michigan delegation at the Democratic National Convention, starting Sept. 3. "The program is something I've wanted to be a part of at least as far back as the beginning of high school," Baum said. "You can learn government from a book or you can take part and participate."
  
  Baum added that upon graduation from high school, he would like to further pursue his studies of public and foreign policy. "I love the nature of politics. I love following it. I love understanding the issues. I'm hoping that this program will open doors to connections for my future and lend a new understanding of our system," Baum added.

• Key to awesomeness: Andover guidance counselor Shayna Klein also remembers Baum's desire to be a part of the program, "since the first day he walked into high school" as a freshman, she said. Baum's knowledge of the program and his single-minded dedication to be part of it has served him well, she continued, and those traits which aided in his pursuit should assist him well into the future.
  
  "Daniel has set very specific goals for himself and he’s the kind of kid who will stop at nothing to achieve that," said Klein, who has been Daniel's guidance counselor for the past three years. "He's remained committed to himself and his goal. He will have an invaluable opportunity to help that develop his character, not only in terms of education, but in qualities of what makes a good person and a good citizen ... he deserves this."

Do you know our next Whiz Kid?

Bloomfield Patch welcomes suggestions for students, youth groups and even sports teams who wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about amazing children and teens and select one each week as Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to editor Art.Aisner@patch.com. Please include all these details:

• Nominator's name
• Whiz Kid's name and age
• Whiz Kid's school
• Whiz Kid's accomplishment
• What makes him or her successful