Whiz Kid: Extracurricular Activities Spur Extra Achievement for Troy Student

Each week, Patch spotlights young people in the Troy community who are successful, talented and just plain awesome. Today we introduce the latest Whiz Kid:

Brittany Ngia

• Age: 11
• School:
• Achievement: Brittany aced her Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test, is active in Lego robotics and tutors some of her peers with their academics. She also plays clarinet with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Civic Youth Ensemble, and plays the piano. But it was her overall willngness to use and develop her talents that earned her the recognition of being named the National Association of Gifted Children's Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award on Oct. 4.
  The award, which is given to children in grades 3-6, is given to one student from each state every year for outstanding achievement in academics, arts, sports or another area.
• Key to Awesomeness: Brittany didn't always like going to class, said her mother, Natalie Ngia. "When she was younger, she didn't like to go to school," she said. "When she got older, she liked doing things out of classes." Brittany agreed – piano lessons, art classes, robotics teams and other extra curricular activities helped to spur new interests inside the school classroom. They also keep her and mom busy, but Natalie Ngia said it's worth it. "So long as she is doing things she likes and puts in effort, I say 'OK,'" she said, "otherwise it's not worth my effort."

Nominate a Whiz Kid

Do you know a local young person who deserves applause because he or she does volunteer work, achieves in athletics or is an all-around great kid? Everyone deserves attention, and we want to tell these stories.

Email nominations to Editor Kevin Elliott at kevin.elliott@patch.com, provide the information shown above and include a photo with names and ages. Then, come back each Wednesday for our Whiz Kid spotlight.