Medfield Whiz Kid: Medfield High's Kevin Whelan

Medfield Patch's "Whiz Kids" is a weekly column featuring individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even teams, who wow us with their accomplishments.

Whiz Kid's Name: Kevin Whelan

Whiz Kid's School: Medfield High School, Senior

Whiz Kid's Accomplishments: Qualified as semifinalist for U.S. Physics Team.

Whiz Kids' Key to Awesomeness: Whelan recently qualified as a Semifinalist in the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), as part of its selection process to determine candidates for the U.S. Physics Team.  Whelan, a student of MHS physics teacher, Richard Shapiro, was one of the top 300 students chosen to advance as a Semifinalist, from a pool of approximately 3,000 high school students.  His selection was based on his high score on the first exam given in January.  A second exam is used to identify the top 20 students who will form the U.S. Physics Team.  Six students from this group of 20 will comprise the traveling team that will represent the United States at the 2011 International Physics Olympiad.  Teams from over 80 countries will compete in Bangkok, Thailand this year, from July 10 – 18.

 The American Association of Physics Teachers began the International Physics Olympiad program in 1986 “to promote and demonstrate academic excellence.”  The U.S. Physics Team and its activities are supported entirely through private donations from individuals and organizations.  More information about the AAPT and the U.S Physics Team can be found at their website.

We Want to Hear From You:

We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the "Patch Whiz Kid." Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to jeremie.smith@patch.com.. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's E-Mail
• Whiz Kid's Name
• Whiz Kid's Age
• Whiz Kid's School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
• Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and asign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, contact Medfield Patch editor Jeremie Smith at jeremie.smith@patch.com.