Rosemount Whiz Kid: Jerrod Nygren

Name: Jerrod Nygren

Ages: 10

Schools: Home-schooled

Accomplishment: After watching a television news program about children who live in homes without appropriate reading material, he went door-to-door in Rosemount asking for donations of money and children's books.

He was ultimately able to donate more than 400 children's books to several local charities, wrote neighbor Karen Maiden. She nominated Nygren and said that he has an impressive amount of commitment to help children less fortunate than himself.

"He knocked on my door and was both charming and persuasive," Maiden wrote. "It's rare to find a person of any age who works so hard to make things better. But seeing that trait in someone his age is amazing."

Keys to Awesomeness: "I was impressed by his drive," Maiden wrote. "He is type of boy I can see become a real leader in the community in the future."
 
Maiden met his parents when she dropped off her donation of books and wrote that it was easy to see where Nygren learned his manners and confidence. "There is this stereotype that children who was schooled at home are withdrawn or have some lack of social skills because they're not around other children all day. But that is not the case with Jerrod. His parents are so outgoing and make sure he gets out in the community and experiences the world."

Carol Nygren is Jerrod's mother, and she said that her son's drive and compassion comes primarily from his own heart. "Sometimes he seems as if he is about 40," she said. "He has this ability to see the pain and needs of others that is staggering to watch."

Rosemount Patch is seeking nominations from readers for individual  kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens, and will select one each week as the Rosemount Patch Whiz Kid/s.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to rick.ellis@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information: nominator's name, nominator's e-mail, Whiz Kid's name, Whiz Kid's age, Whiz Kid's school, Whiz Kid's accomplishment, Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness (what made him/her successful).