Whiz Kid: Performing Artist Gabrielle Frederick

Whiz Kids is a weekly feature in which Patch profiles an outstanding youngster or youth group. This week's Whiz Kid is Gabrielle Frederick, who is awesome because she's following bright lights towards the big city.

Whiz Kid: Gabrielle Frederick

Age: 17

School: Hoboken High School, 12th Grade

When it comes to the performing arts, 17 year-old Hoboken High School senior Gabrielle Frederick does it all. She sings, dances and acts.

She had already been singing since she was young when joined the high school's award-winning theater program. Acting in plays at school has opened doors for her.

Over the summer she studied in a conservatory program with the Paper Mill Playhouse. She also recently signed with talent agent Don Buchwald and is looking for roles.

“I can actually now say I am auditioning as a professional actress,” she says.

Gabrielle is originally from Georgia and moved to Hoboken when her father transferred for work. Though she liked living around Atlanta, she likes this area too.

“I just wanted something different,” she says. “I always wanted to live in New York.”

Gabrielle is a good student. She serves as president of her school's National Honor Society chapter and is a member of Hoboken High's student government council. She and the council meet with the principal and superintendent to give their input on how the school should operate.

“We get to fight for the things we want to see done," she says.

Gabrielle's favorite subjects are math and literature. She likes to write creatively, including stories and song lyrics.

Gabrielle has plans for college after she graduates and wants to attend either Columbia or a school on the west coast. She wants to study business marketing.

But, she knows she can always pursue her creative passions at the same time.

“I'll definitely continue acting,” she says.

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.