A voracious reader and writer, Stevie Lang can see every situation as potential fodder for her next story. "I think, if this was a book, right now what would be happening," Lang said. She's always penning a new story or poem. Her favorite place to think through story settings and character development is her school gym's staircase. "I don't know why, but every time I'm on the staircase, I think of another piece for my story," Lang said. Her love of reading and writing spurred her career goal to be a language arts teacher. Lang chose to attend Seminole High School's magnet program, Center for …

Newpoint High School freshman, Meridian Jenkins, knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl. At first she was sure she would teach art, but her pet peeve for proper grammar and spelling in text messages steered her toward language arts. It all started in middle school when she realized her fellow teenagers had less than ideal grammar and spelling. She couldn't tolerate the acronyms, misspellings and slang, commonly seen in instant messaging, social networks, texts and emails. Jenkins considers the dichotomy in technology her generation's mainstay that also contributes to a …

Matthew Noon was determined to make his traveling abroad dreams come true. The $3000 price-tag on a school trip to Greece didn't faze him. He had a plan. On the calendar at Pinellas Preparatory Academy was a summer trip to Greece for June 2011.  His parents wanted him to go, but they wouldn't be able to swing the cost. Noon was determined save enough money to take the trip. The then thirteen-years-old told his parents he'd work and pay for it himself. Traveling became an interest to him when he heard about his middle school trip to Costa Rica. It would have been quite an adventure for the …

After watching his sister suffer through health problems 14-year-old honor student Lazar Elerick plans for a future in the medical field. The Newpoint High School student doesn't boast about his academic achievements, though he has reason to be proud. He's achieved excellence in an honors curriculum at his middle school, Pinellas Preparatory Academy and now at Newpoint. His talents also extend into acting, an activity he's nurtured since middle school, when he was a news anchor for his school's morning show and acted in several student films.  "I enjoy doing it and I think I'm good at it," …

At 12 years old, Michaela Reynolds is already volunteering for Pinellas County and is helping create a support group for middle school students victimized by bullies. Those leadership experiences help explain why she pictures a future as a teacher.For the seventh summer Michaela attended summer camp at Southwest Recreation Complex. “All the counselors are so nice.  We get really active and I like to run,” Michaela said.  She is in the Kid City teen group, but also took courses on photography, cake decorating, and CSI camp. Through a Girl Scout program, this year the Osceola Middle School …

Keyshaye (pronounced kee SHAY’) Patterson may only be 8-years-old, but she knows how to take on an adult role when someone needs help. Her camp counselor at the Southwest Recreation Complex said this Mildred Helms Elementary student stands out because she’s not afraid to step in. “Keyshaye helps another camper who is autistic,” said Brandon Mai.  “When he needs help or attention, she can calm him down.” “He didn’t have nobody to play with,” Keyshaye said.  “I felt that I know how he feels. Every time I see him I help him.” This soon-to-be 2nd grader is showing empathy toward not just that …

Congratulations to Largo Patch's Student of the Week: Augustus Deschler At his elementary school graduation 11-year-old Augustus Deschler won the Kiwanis International Outstanding Student Award. It's easy to see the reasons. He's earned straight As in gifted classes. In gifted math, he works at an eighth grade level, two full grades above his age. And he's been nominated for the National Honor Society. Augustus is a dedicated student who focuses on homework as soon as he arrives home from school. The rest of the day offers time to immerse himself in a love of music. Augustus is a gifted …

Congratulations to Patch's Kid of the Week: Sofia Deschler! Age: 7 School: Ridgecrest Elementary Accomplishment: Sofia Deschler earned the principal, second violin in the area's Symphonic Strings. She also won second place in the Music Gallery Strings Jr. Elementary Division Competition. Keys to Awesomeness: Sofia Deschler is a gifted student and musician. With an infectious smile, she is a friendly and outgoing girl. Like other kids her age, she enjoys swimming and drawing. In pursuing her musical talents and academic successes, Sofia shows an independence remarkable for someone so young. …

Congratulations To Largo Patch's Student of the Week: Christopher Dalbo Age: 16 School: Osceola Fundamental High School Accomplishment: Journalism and broadcasting major Christopher Dalbo earned a 4.08 weighted GPA and ranked 90th in his sophomore class. Keys to Awesomeness: Christopher is a personable, polite and determined young man. He plans to combine his talents and education in a broadcasting career. His grades reflect the hard work of an honors student. He earned a ranking of 90th in his sophomore class, a 4.08 weighted GPA and a 3.60 unweighted GPA. Headed into his junior year, he's …

Congratulations To Patch's Student of The Week: Dylan Coffey Age: 15 School: Pinellas Preparatory Academy / City of Largo's Teen Leader Enrichment Program Accomplishments: Honors student Dylan Coffey earned a service award for his two years of volunteer service to his school's news crew. He also won third place in his school's talent show. Keys to Awesomeness: Dylan is a friendly, smart and generous young man. Dylan is a talented musician who enjoys creating videos, running track, reading on his Kindle and helping other people. Dylan is a honors student at Pinellas Preparatory Academy. He is …

Congratulations to Patch's Student Of The Week: Marioandres Alvarez Age: 3 School: Oakhurst Learning Center Accomplishment: Three-year-old Marioandres Alvarez won the first place title in Little Mr. Citrus 2011. Marioandres continued his pageant success to win his division's Prince title in the Queens of Crown Pageant. Keys To Awesomeness: Marioandres Alvarez is a sweet kid with a big smile and an infectious laugh. It's no wonder he's a successful model and beauty pageant winner. In March, he won Little Mr. Citrus 2011. Crowned by last year's winner, older brother Jorgeandres Alvarez,  his …

Congrats to Jarvis Stewart Largo Patch's Student of the Week! Name: Jarvis Stewart School: Largo High School Key To Awesomeness: Largo Packer's running back Jarvis Stewart wasn’t supposed to have the season he had in 2010. The then-freshman was slated to back up star running back Derrick Doss, while getting his feet wet in the Packers’ ground-based attack. But an injury to Doss in the fifth game of the season thrusted Stewart into the starting spot, and the 5-foot-10-inch dynamo took the role and ran with it. He compiled 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns in just six games. During the May 27th …

Congratulations to this week's Whiz Kid of the Week Jake Peterson! Age: 10 School: Oakhurst Elementary School Accomplishment: Jake Peterson is a 10 year-old with a passion for baseball. He plays for the Seminole Warhawks at the Seminole Jr. Warhawks Field, which is just west of Walsingham Park. He was asked to be on the all-star team to his minor league team every season. He trains at the Winning Inning Baseball Academy. His favorite baseball player on the Tampa Bay Rays is Sam Fuld. Jake gets pointers from his friend Von Hayes from the Philadelphia Phillies team, who stops by to see him …

Congratulations to Patch's Student of the Week: Zackery Hehn School: Osceola Fundmental High School Age: 15 Accomplishment: A rising star athlete and academic achiever, Zackery Hehn  earned a 3.71 GPA, while in spring training for Osceola Warriors JV football team and while playing in a summer Lacrosse league. Key to Awesomeness: Zackery is a dedicated, compassionate and friendly young man, who excels in both academics and sports. He's always been an outstanding student. In a recent, school science trip, he travelled to Costa Rica to learn about rain forests, volcanos and the country's …

Congratulations to Largo Patch's Student of the Week: Katie Kapcik Age: 5 School: Fuguitt Elementary School Accomplishment: Katie Kapcik is a kindergartner who loves math.  Keys to Awesomeness: Katie Kapcik's teachers say this kindergartner is as sweet as can be. She's a polite, kind and a thoughtful girl who does well at home and school. She enjoys learning and loves her kindergarten teacher. She is a good student and math as her favorite subject. Free play comes in as a close second. Fuguitt Elementary kindergarden teacher Jenny Pile nominated Katie for her kindness and her interest in the …

Congratulations to Patch's Student Of The Week: Meghan Brannon Age: 17 School: Osceola Fundamental High School Accomplishment: Meghan Brannon earned first place in the 2010 Eastern National for Gymnastics. Brannon also completed additional high school credits to earn early graduation from Osceola Fundamental High School. Brannon is an active, friendly and smart young woman. She is a determined student who doubled up on extra classes throughout high school. With those additional credits she earned the opportunity to graduate early, in December 2011. Brannon is a lifelong gymnast. She started …

Congratulations to Largo Patch's Kid Of The Week: Richard Hauser Age: 15 School: Pinellas Park High School, First Responders Magnet Program Accomplishment: As a high school freshman, Richard Hauser has already earned his first aid certificates in both adult CPR and infant CPR. Keys to Awesomeness: Richard Hauser is an honors student in the first responders magnet program. He dives into every subject with unrelenting drive and enthusiasm. It's that energy that impressed his previous science teacher at Pinellas Preparatory Academy (PPA). "Richard was in my homeroom in an advanced physical …

Congratulations to Largo Patch's Whiz Kid of the Week: Maxine Fahy  Age: 6 School: Fuguitt Elementary School Accomplishment: Maxine Fahy, first grader at Fuguitt Elementary,  volunteers at the school's garden and helps to care for its edible plants. Keys to Awesomeness: Maxine is a smart and determined young girl. She has followed in her parents' footsteps of edible landscaping. Her father owns a local business in this special landscaping, which features all types of edible plants. Their front yard is filled with flora that's fit to eat. Their garden has plants like lettuce and banana trees…

Congratulations to Largo Patch's Whiz Kid of the Week: Cassidy Rae Blaine Age: 6 School: Fuguitt Elementary Accomplishment: Kindergartener Cassidy Rae Blaine excels in reading. She has surpassed her current grade level and now reads at a first grade level. Keys to Awesomeness: Six-year-old Cassidy Rae Blaine is a friendly and outgoing girl. She enjoys school, especially building blocks and learning time during quiet activities. One of her favorite activities is reading, and she excels at it. Fuguitt Elementary teacher Jenny Pile recommmended Blaine for her outstanding reading accomplishment…

Congratulations Largo Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Dora Bodruzic Age: 5 School: Fuguitt Elementary Accomplishment: Five-year-old Dora Bodruzic moved to this country in August 2010 without knowing a single word in English. With her teachers' help, she now speaks in short sentences. Keys to Awesomeness: Dora Bodruzic is a sweet girl who wants to communicate with her teachers and classmates. She started kindergarten at Fuguitt Elementary without being able to speak a word of English. In August 2010, her family moved to Largo from Croatia. This school year, Bodruzic has made huge strides in …