Whiz Kid of the Week: Soccer Star Paris McConnell

Whiz Kids is a weekly feature in which Patch profiles an outstanding youngster or youth group. This week's Whiz Kid is Paris McConnell, who is awesome because she's a soccer star with an interest in animals.

Whiz Kid: Paris McConnell

Age: 12

School: Hoboken Charter School, 6th grade

Paris McConnell, 12, started running long distances alongside her dad when she was very young. She's increased her endurance over the years and can now run several miles. She's also completed a few 5k runs with large groups.

She likes running, and doing it helps her stay in shape for soccer. She's played forward, midfield and defense for multiple rec teams since she was 7. She likes the thrill of competing, but is a team player and enjoys passing the ball.

Paris also is the star of her school's upcoming spring musical, Once on This Island, where she plays a poor girl who falls in love with a rich boy and later has to make a difficult choice. Paris has been acting for years and has also appeared in Mulan, the Little Mermaid and Peter and the Wolf.

"I like acting because each time you get to be a different person," she says.

She also sings and took ballet when she was younger, and says she might want to be an actress when she gets older.

Paris is in the 6th grade at Hoboken Charter School. She says she has a lot more homework this year than last, but she maintains her studies and makes good grades. Her favorite subjects are math and science.

"We do a lot of fun labs," she says. "I like learning about animals and the environment."

Paris has also thought about becoming a veterinarian. That is, if she doesn't become a famous actress first.

Do you know a Whiz Kid, or even a whole group of them? Send any and all nominations to alanskontra@hotmail.com, and check back every Wednesday afternoon to read about some outstanding youngsters in your community.