Whiz Kid: Megan Lindholm

Westlake kids do amazing things every day, and each week at Westlake Patch, we're going to be featuring child, teenager, club or team that really shines.

Whiz Kid: Megan Lindholm

School: , freshman

Accomplishments: 

Megan maintains excellent grades and has been on the high honor roll all year. Her academic excellence doesn't come without work though.

"(I get good grades) by being prepared, doing my best and completing the assignments," she said. 

Megan added that students shouldn't be afraid to ask for help if they don't understand the material. That's one of the ways she maintains her excellent grades. 

Megan was also awarded the WHS March 2011 Good Citizen award. The honor is given to students nominated by their teachers for positive attributes like being polite, respectful, helpful and kind, and possessing positive attitudes and exceptional work ethic. 

In addition, Megan was also recognized for her artistic talent last year when she was awarded the Silver Key from the Cleveland Institute of Art. 

Megan said she plans on making big decisions like deciding her college major in the coming years. 

"I do plan on attending college, but I'm not committed to a particular college yet," she said.

Keys to Awesomeness: 

In her spare time, Megan loves to go horseback riding and to play all kinds of musical instruments. 

"I'm currently taking both guitar and sax lessons," she said. 

Megan's favorite subjects in school are science and physical education.

"(I like) science because of my teacher's sense of humor and memory tips and tricks," she said. "He makes science interesting. And physical education, because getting involved in the activities we do makes class fun." 

Megan goes out of her way to help others in whatever ways she can. 

"When someone I know is hurting, I try my best to cheer him or her up," she said. 

She also volunteers in her community doing things like packing groceries for the less fortunate, and is currently participating in a program in her church youth group that will benefit those still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. 

Megan likes to fuel her study sessions and volunteer work with her favorite meaty meal. "I love a good steak," she said. 

To those struggling with their studies, Megan had this bit of advice:

"Take it one day at a time. If things get crazy, try to break away from the demands and refocus." 

The Million Dollar Question:

If she were given a million dollars to donate to a cause or charity of her choice, Megan said she would spread the money across several local organizations that benefit homeless animals, including the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter.

"Both our dogs were adopted from this shelter," she said.

Megan said she would also donate to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Love-A-Stray.

"The world's best cat, Oscar, came from (Love-A-Stray,)" she said.