Whiz Kids: Young Readers Crusade to Support Troy Public Library

Each Wednesday, Patch spotlights young people in Troy who are successful, talented and just plain awesome. Today we introduce the first in our weekly series of Whiz Kids:

Elian, Ariela and Rafael Yashinsky

• Ages: 7, 10 and 12
• Schools: and
• Achievement: This family trio has gathered about 200 petition signatures from schoolmates, teachers, neighbors and others in Troy who favor voter passage of an Aug. 2 millage to avoid a budget-related shutdown of the . Ariela, a 10-year-old soccer goalie, became involved after hearing her father talk about the situation. That inspired older brother Rafael and 7-year-old Elian to join her.
• Key to Awesomeness: The three children of Lori and Neil Yashinsky, who are avid library borrowers, presented petitions at a city council meeting and participated in a May rally outside the library. The father created a Facebook page on their behalf, attracting more than 70 followers. "The most rewarding thing is to see them become engaged and not be apathetic," he said. "They're inspiring."
  The campaign represents second-generation activism, adds Yashinsky, who circulated environmental protection petitions when he was a Southfield middle school student.  

Do you know a local young person who deserves applause because he's doing volunteer work this summer? Or maybe your daughter's latest science project challenges how we think about the environment? Or perhaps athletic achievements are worth sharing. 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.