Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Garrett Tanzer

Know a kid so smart, self-aware or sweet that he or she can only be described as a “Whiz Kid?” Each week, our site will highlight the accomplishments of local children and teens. From youth group leaders to sports team captains to scholarship winners, all will be considered for “Whiz Kid” status on Scarsdale Patch. Submit nominations in the comment box below, or e-mail the information to kirstin.fawcett@patch.com.

Garrett Tanzer, 13, Scarsdale

Eighth Grader at Scarsdale Middle School

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment: At the age of 13, Garrett developed his own iPhone application called “Space Laser Race,” featuring two virtual joysticks that move on-screen laser dots around a space station to align it with green targets. Points are earned when lasers hit the target, and different modes allot time limits for players to achieve high scores. 

In early November, Garrett submitted Space Laser Race to Apple for approval.  Luckily, Garrett received the best early holiday present of all – Space Laser Race was released on Nov. 11, just in time to be played on iPhones under Thanksgiving tables and purchased with iTunes gift cards shoved in Christmas stockings.

Key to Awesomeness:

Garrett, who had taken online university courses that teach C++, became interested in developing an iPhone application after learning Objective C. 

“I made graphics for the game on Photoshop by Adobe, and I went to work creating it,” said Garrett. “It took me six to seven weeks.”

Garrett, while only 13, has held a lifelong interest towards technology.

“I’ve probably been interested in computers most of my life,” said Garrett. “This past year, however, I’ve become interested in programming and developing.”

Garrett, who has food allergies, is currently in the process of researching food allergy research centers to donate a portion of his sale proceeds.

“Food allergy research is one of the reasons Garrett created the application and is charging for it,” said his mother, Rona Spear. 

An entrepreneur and a philanthropist? 

Sounds pretty "Whiz Kid" to us.  

Editor's Note: In the original version of this article, it was incorrectly stated that Garrett Tanzer's iPhone application was called "Space Lasers." The game's correct title is "Space Laser Race." Also, it was unclear that Garrett learned C++ through online university courses, and later learned Objective C to program his iPhone application.

Patch regrets the error.