Whiz Kid: Gold Honor Roll Student Also Plays Violin

Each Wednesday, Mehlville Patch will be highlighting a young person in the community who is making a positive difference in the lives of others. These kids are doing outstanding academic work, winning an award or exhibiting exemplary qualities. Know great kids? Nominate them by e-mailing sarah.flagg@patch.com. 

Name: Haley Emelko

Age: 11

School: Bierbaum Elementary School

Accomplishment: Haley's last quarter grades earned her a place on Bierbaum’s Gold Honor Roll; she achieved all A's.

Key to Awesomeness: Haley is no stranger to good grades. Her academic achievements at Bierbaum Elementary School have resulted in honor roll report cards, impressive test scores, a spot in the district’s STRETCH gifted program, participation in the Academic Olympics and a student council position.

An avid reader, Haley enjoys all types of books and does quite a bit of recreational reading. Currently she is into mystery stories. She recommends Camp Confidential and the entire Magic Tree House series.

Haley’s creative side gets plenty of exercise as well. She is a member of the Honor Choir at Bierbaum and recently sang in a district-wide event held at Affton High School. She was one of eight choir members from Bierbaum selected to participate in the performance. When Haley is not singing, she is playing the violin with her advanced strings group. Always taking time to help others, she volunteers her own time to help the third graders who are in the beginning strings class.

Sewing classes are Haley’s latest interest. She has already completed several projects including an apron, a robe and a very handy tote bag. Quickly mastering the basics, Haley plans to sew more this summer.

Haley’s school spirit is very evident around Bierbaum Elementary School. Always a helper, she is often recruited for school projects because she is a reliable, willing and bright student who thoroughly enjoys working with and helping others.