Winter Whiz Kids Set the Bar For Success

There is no formula to being a Whiz Kid, and no blueprint for the proper way to become one.

It may take the drive of Fort Lee’s Nancie Sophias, the leadership qualities shown by George Padin, the singing abilities of Arev Dinkjian or the dedication of basketball player Bindi Parikh.

These four student athletes are just like everyone else but they have something that makes them unique.  

Sophias, for example, is a senior and one of the top runners in Northern New Jersey. She has set numerous Fort Lee High School records including the 600 meter run and is on the track team year round. If that isn’t enough, Nancie is also the Vice President of her class, the secretary of the student council, and President of the Greek Club. She has donated a winning medal to her sick uncle with cancer, spent time helping retired nuns and feeds hungry students every morning at Fort Lee High School’s “Snack Bar.”

George Padin has also shown that drive along with his leadership skills in a number of ways. He was the only senior captain on the Bridgemen basketball team that started four underclassmen this year. Padin took upwards of 20 offensive charges this season and pushed the young team through practice in what coach John Ziemba referred to as his “never take a day off” approach. That included soccer, where he was also a captain, and in school where George hopes to continue leading in his pursuit to major in physical therapy.  

The next Whiz Kid used her passion of singing to make a major contribution to the team and the community. Senior Arev Dinkjian is a varsity member of the Lady Bridgemen basketball team but did not record many minutes this season. So Arev helped in any way she could, including assisting teammates with water breaks during timeouts and even signing the National Anthem before every home game. Dinkjian did whatever she could in a display of selflessness for the betterment of those around her and continued a tradition with her admiration for music.  

And then there is Bindi Parikh who also captained the same Lady Bridgemen team with Arev in addition to being one of the top students at Fort Lee High School. Carrying around a big backpack and a passion for basketball, Parikh displayed a rare combination of dedication and success in both worlds. With days starting as early as four o’clock in the morning, Parikh refused to sleep when something needed to be done. She was one of the top scorers on the team this year and hopes to follow both of her dreams in college.

Now these Fort Lee students have presented others with an example of what it takes to be a Whiz Kid. Through their visions, the quartet has displayed what makes them so special and paving the way for the future class in the spring.

These are just a few ways on how someone can become a Whiz Kid with many more opportunities to make a difference.

Each week, Fort Lee Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual  kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. They don't have to be involved in sports either. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to erik.wander@patch.com.

Be sure to include this 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?)

Your friend, family member, or neighbor could be the next Whiz Kid!

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