Whiz Kid of the Week: Swimming Star Duke McCourt

Whiz Kids is a weekly feature in which Patch profiles an outstanding youngster or youth group. This week's Whiz Kid is Francis "Duke" McCourt, who is awesome because he's a star swimmer, actor, student and future law enforcement officer.

Whiz Kid: Francis "Duke" McCourt

Age: 18

School: Hoboken High School, 12h Grade

“There's nothing better than diving in, finishing the race and touching the wall,” Hoboken High School student Francis “Duke” McCourt said about being a competitive swimmer.

Duke swims on the varsity team and recently eclipsed a 50 year old school record. He swam the 60 meter freestyle in 30 seconds, a full two seconds faster than the previous best.

His mother was a competitive swimmer, and she threw Duke in the pool at an early age. Though he practices often, either before school or for as many as three hours every day after class, he's found swimming to be very relaxing.

“I can just get in the pool and forget about everything,” he said.

Duke could use some relaxation, because he does a lot. He also pitches and plays second base on the school baseball squad. Having grown up a Yankees fan, Duke also got involved in baseball at an early age.

“As soon as I could walk I had a glove in my hand,” he said.

In addition to athletics, Duke also participates in his school's theater program. Just like how his mother taught him how to swim, Duke has another relative who has inspired him to act. His second cousin is award winning actor and Hoboken native Joe Pantoliano. As such Duke has already spent time visiting several movie sets.

Duke has a starring role in his school's upcoming production of Hairspray. He's also performed in Guys and Dolls and Aida. Alongside acting he enjoys backstage work just as much. He builds sets and serves as the school's lighting designer.

Duke, who was shares his grandfather's nickname, is also a good student, having participated on the team his school recently sent to compete in Harvard's annual  Model Congress summit. He plans to attend college, hopefully Temple University.

He wants to study criminal justice so that he can begin a career in law enforcement with the Department of Homeland Security, either as an officer or an investigator.

Duke is also considering joining the Coast Guard after earning his degree. He'll definitely pass the swimming part of boot camp.

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.