Schools

Whiz Kids of the Week: Cameron Ackley and Caleigh Coers

Fitch Middle School Students Ackley and Coers Honored by Connecticut Association of Schools

Whiz Kids' Names: Cameron Ackley and Caleigh Coers

Whiz Kids' School: Robert E. Fitch Middle School

Whiz Kids' Accomplishments: Last Monday, Ackley and Coers, along with 280 other 8th graders across the state were recognized by the Connecticut Association of Schools, as Scholar Leaders. 

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The Scholar Leader program was established in 1985 to give public recognition to students who exhibit excellence in academic and athletic pursuits. The students, school officials, and their parents attended a statewide awards banquet. The award is the highest recognition a middle school student can receive.

Coers participates in her school's stamp club, a group where students transcribe and examine old letters to learn about the past. She also belongs to Amistad, a club that works to break down racial barriers.

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Still, Coers considers her participation in sports a crowning accomplishment. She is a member of the basketball and volleyball teams at Fitch Middle School.

"In California, my friends always played basketball," she explained, having moved from Chula Vista last June.  "I thought I wouldn't be able to play here because I didn't know if I would be able to play with a different group." 

Ackley is an avid football and baseball enthusiast. He is also a member of Fitch Middle School's hiking club. 

"We went to Maine two to three weeks ago," said Ackley. "We climbed Mount Katahdin, which is the highest peak in Maine. A few weeks ago, we hiked Lafayette, which is a peak in New Hampshire."

Ackley joined fellow hiking club members in raising funds for trips by selling tickets to a pancake breakfast hosted at Applebee's and working a spaghetti dinner held in the cafeteria. 

Key to their success: 

Coers: "For me, at the moment, [it's] turning in all my homework and studying." 

Ackley: "Education is the key to success." 

Best Advice: 

Coers: "I would say, even though some classes may be hard, just try your best and push through." 

Ackley: "I think the best advice [is] don't get yourself in trouble and participate. Participate: then you know the homework; you know the tests; [and] then they think of you as a leader and a scholar." 

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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