Ballerina Hits the New York Stage

Name:  Athena Petrizzo, Toms River Township

School:  Intermediate North, Grade 6

Accomplishment: Athena scored the lead role of Clara in the 2010 American Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker.

Key to Awesomeness: Athena became part of history when she was chosen to play Clara in the 2010 American Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker. Recognized as a living national treasure since its founding in 1940, the American Ballet Theatre tours the United States every year, performing for more than 600,000 people, and is the only major cultural institution to do so. While preparing for her performances, Athena was also able to maintain the highest academic standards by receiving High Honor Roll in the gifted and talented Pinnacle program as well as being nominated for Student of the Month in December. 

NOMINATE A WHIZ KID

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or helped your local soccer team win the championship? They may be our next Patch honoree.

Each week, Patch's Jersey Shore region 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.

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Elaine Piniat and the Patch's Jersey Shore Moms Council at elaine.piniat@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?)

●      A photo of the Whiz Kid

If your nominee is selected and you cannot provide a photo, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail Elaine Piniat and the Jersey Shore Patch's Moms Council at elaine.piniat@patch.com.