Schools

Whiz Kid of the Week: Kanani Kinnaman

This Easy-Going Teen Has Provided Diligent Service To The Groton Adolescent Substance-Abuse Prevention Coalition

Whiz Kid’s Name: Kanani Kinnaman

Whiz Kid’s School: Home Schooled/North Stonington Christian Academy

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishments: 

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This bright and easy-going teen has volunteered for more than five years at the Groton Adolescent Substance-Abuse Prevention coalition (GASP). There, she has served in a student group that has worked to address substance abuse problems in the community through education and outreach.

“We did sticker shocks,” said Kinnaman. “Where [we went] into package stores and put stickers not to sell to underage kids.”

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Kinnaman also worked with the group to film and produce a public service announcement that ran on local television stations.

The group has worked with the Ledge Light Health District to research substance abuse and brainstorm initiatives for the dissemination of information.

“Underage drinking is a big issue,” said Kinnaman, “and bad stuff can happen from it. I thought [this] would be a good way to help the community.”

In addition to volunteer work, Kinnaman keeps busy by auditing classes taught through the Groton Parks and Recreation Department. She has taken classes in karate, basketball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. She also took courses in English, Spanish and French.

Kinnaman heads to Three Rivers Community College next year, where she’ll work on her general education and focus on writing.

“I feel like the community is a big part of my life,” said Kinnaman. “I play rec sports, I live here. So, to help it not be an unsafe place is good. I [wanted] to get involved.”

Key to her success: 

Kinnaman believes the key to success is in not getting discouraged or placing limitations on your options. “Try a lot of different things,” she said. “You can find out stuff that you like and are good at.”

Best Advice: 

“Volunteer. It’s easy to do and it looks good on your resume,” Kinnaman said. “It’s a nice way to help and give back to your community [and] it’s not very hard.”

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout, or helped your local soccer team take the championship?

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Jessica.hilo@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 Success

 If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail Jessica.hilo@patch.com. 


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