Amanda Jan, 15, Exceptional Student and Dedicated Volunteer

Whiz Kid's Name: Amanda Jan

Age: 15

School: The Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering

Accomplishment: Amanda was nominated to represent her school in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine and is involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities and volunteer programs.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)
In hopes of becoming a doctor, Amanda Jan attends The Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, where she maintains a 3.99 GPA.  An exceptional student, Amanda was recently nominated to represent her school in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, a prestigious summer program that will allow Amanda to learn about the field of medicine and meet prominent leaders in today's medical world. “Wanting to be a doctor is only the result of one of her main goals–to help people,” said Amanda’s Mother, Wendy Jan. “She has always tried her hardest in everything in order to better herself so she can best help others, even at a young age.” Amanda helped others and gained hands-on experience when she volunteered as a runner at the Hackettstown Regional Medical Center over the summer.

Not only is Amanda dedicated to her school work, but she is also a member of JSA, Junior Statesmen of America, a national club made up of local high school chapters that gather to discuss and debate topics pertaining to politics and current world issues, and to raise political awareness in the community. She also participates in SEED, her school literary magazine, and is in the process of forming a Creative Writing Club at her school with another student. Amanda is active in her Sr. Youth Group at Zion Lutheran Church, participating in activities such as and a coat drive, which provide supplies to the needy, and has participated in the Challenger program helping disabled children play basketball.  

How has Amanda achieved such success?  “Part of the reason is because she has a supportive family to back her, help her challenge herself every day and strive to be the best she can be,” said Wendy Jan.

For demonstrating impressive motivation and achievement, we’re proud to announce Amanda as this week’s Whiz Kid.

KNOW A WHIZ KID? Email the following, plus a photo, to jason.koestenblatt@Patch.com. Whiz Kids will appear on Long Valley Patch every Friday:

• 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?)