Schools
Whiz Kid: William Witalis
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: William Witalis
School: , first grade
Teacher: Mrs. Foster
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Accomplishments
William got straight As on his last report card and received recognition for his incredible achievements in reading.
Find out what's happening in Westlakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"This was rewarding because I did not know how to read when I started kindergarten," he said.
William also recently took home a prize for his Cub Scout troop's Pinewood Derby race. He now has two fresh patches to add to his Cub Scout uniform: the tiger and bobcat.
William said that he maintains good grades in school by studying hard, paying attention and always trying to do his best.
"I'm a quick learner," he said. "I excel at many things."
Keys to Awesomeness
William goes out of his way to help others when they're in need.
"I always try to be helpful," he said. "I hold doors for people, help my parents carry in packages and offer to clean up on neighborhood and parish clean-up day."
William said he also helps his dad take food for the less fortunate to local hunger centers.
"Helping people who need it is the right thing to do," he said.
William looks up to his father, who is a police officer.
"I want to be a police officer like my dad when I grow up," he said.
When he's not helping his parents carry in packages or delivering food to food banks, you'll find William at his favorite restaurant: Red Robin.
"Cheese is my favorite food, and Red Robin gives free refills on mac-n-cheese!" he gushed.
William said he likes listening to the tunes of The Black Eyed Peas and the Beastie Boys while he's cleaning up after himself: something he's currently working on doing a little better than he used to.
The Million Dollar Question
If William won a million dollars to give away to a charity or cause of his choice, he said he would donate it to cancer research. William said several of his family members and even a close friend have been touched by the disease.
"Cancer is a pretty touchy disease and we need to try harder to find a cure," he said.
Do you know a Whiz Kid? Email editor Kate Spirgen!