Whiz Kid: Mariela Perez

Mariela Perez, New Rochelle
Isaac E. Young Middle School, seventh grade

Accomplishment: Perez was selected to participate in a day of networking and round-table activities at the United Nations.

Key to Awesomeness: A student of the Academic Pathways program, Perez is a member of the New Rochelle Branch of the NAACP Youth Council, and she is co-chairwoman of the Health Committee.

She spent March 2 at the United Nations in New York City for UN Day 2011, sponsored by Sister to Sister International Inc.

Perez toured the UN, attended briefings and round tables on issues that affect African women. The day was capped by a reception where she had the opportunity to network with women from around the world and UN dignitaries.

Writing of her experience, Perez said the day was an educational opportunity.

She said there was an emphasis on goals that included eradicating extreme poverty, achieving universal primary education and promoting gender equality.

"It is important for girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math because they can change the world," Perez wrote. "Girls can pursue science becuase they could make medicine to save lives and get less people sick."

Do you know a Whiz Kid, someone who has special qualities that sets them apart from their peers? Nominate them by sending an email to Michael Woyton at New Rochelle Patch.

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