Whiz Kid: Meet Raul Valverde

Whiz Kid's name: Raul Valverde

Whiz Kid's age: 12

Whiz Kid's school:

Whiz Kid's accomplishment: Raul, who is known as an “engaged, optimistic, bright and respectful student” constantly pursues academic success. He excels in his schoolwork and has set goals of making the A-Honor Roll and Principal’s List.

Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness: Raul has spent the school year dealing with his father being terminally ill, said Shelley Heinzman, his English Language Learners (ELL) teacher. Upon returning from related absences, he was able to jump right into the lesson without missing a beat. “He excels not only from an academic standpoint, but he’s also No. 1 in my book in terms of noble character,” Heinzman said. Raul’s father lost his long battle with cancer in May, and his son’s ambition is to become a pediatrician who specializes in oncology. “He will one day be a force to be reckoned with,” Heinzman said, “because of his perseverance and resilience.”