Whiz Kid: Christian Castello

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kids honoree.

Each week, Little Neck Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments.

We want to hear about these amazing children and teens, and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  So submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to paul.leonard@patch.com. Be sure to answer the questions bulleted below, and don't forget to include a photo.

Our honoree this week is Christian Castello.

Name: Christian Castello

Grade: 9th Grade

School: The Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts and Sciences, in Bellerose

Accomplishments: Despite being only 14 years old, Christian already has compiled an impressive resume. From volunteering in the community to helping the elderly and infirm in our area — all while maintaining a roster of As and one B+ in his freshman year — Christian is an athlete, scholar and all-around good kid. Whether he's playing sports, shoveling a neighbor's walk or focusing on his studies, Christian always puts his best foot forward, and tries being the paradigm of teenage excellence in all that he does.

His achievements include:

1. Induction into the "Order of the Arrow"
2. Becoming a Life Long Scout
3. Maintaining good grades
4. Running errands for his handicapped neighbors
5. Planting a Blue Bird Box in Alley Pond Park
6. Restoring the gates Lawrence Cemetery in Bayside
7. Repainting the rectory of St. Johns Episcopal Church in Flushing 
8. Renovating the vestibule at Sacred Heart.

Key to Awesomeness: Christian is a fine human being and a hard worker who always tries setting a good example, especially when it comes to his peers. Mature for his age, he's keen at identifying goals, side-stepping obstacles and finishing what he sets out to accomplish.