This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Whiz Kid: Danny Gibel

This fantastic first grader is helping around the house, fighting cancer and aspiring to be just like his dad.

Whiz Kid: Danny Gibel

 School: , first grade,  Mrs. Chinchar’s class

Accomplishments: Danny doesn’t mind helping out at home by doing his chores or helping his dad around the house on various projects. He also helps those in need without being asked.

Find out what's happening in Westlakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I help people when I see they are hurt or sad,” he said. “I try to help my mom at home with my younger brothers and sister. I make my bed and clear off the table every day."

Danny said he also puts away his clothes and cleans his room, but that's not his favorite way to help out.

Find out what's happening in Westlakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"My favorite way to help out at home is working with my dad on projects around the house and in the yard,”  he said.

Key to Awesomeness: Danny works hard and sticks to his routines to make sure his grades are excellent. He isn’t goofing around in class when he has a free moment—he’s making sure he has got all of his work done. This way, he can concentrate on homework and get some reading done just for fun.

His favorite subject is religion, but he has several interests and aspirations for the future.

“I love sports -- especially kickball, soccer, football and swimming.  My best talents are writing stories and playing soccer. I really like to draw too,” he said. “I want to be a priest, an author and an illustrator -- maybe a pro football or baseball player too.”

 Though he loves reading, writing and sports, Danny isn’t looking to authors, celebrities or sports stars for inspiration and guidance; he keeps his focus on his parents when it comes to role models.  

 “I look up to my mom and my dad,” he said. “I want to be just like my dad when I grow up.”

Even as an accomplished first grader, Danny is looking for more ways to improve and wants to be a “Math Superstar” at his school. He’s working hard to improve his math skills to accomplish this goal.

Million Dollar Question:

If Danny were given a million dollars to donate to a charity or cause of his choice, he would donate it to Kick it for Cancer. The organization collects money for cancer research. Two of every 100 dollars raised, which is donated for overall cancer research, is allocated specifically for research of cancer in children.

St. Bernadette recently held a fundraiser in honor of Danny’s friend, Michael, who is fighting pediatric cancer. The event was a fundraiser but also educated the students on childhood cancer and cancer research while also providing fun with kickball.

“My friend has cancer,” he said. “And I want him to get all better!”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Westlake