Whiz Kids: Brian Manning and Kaitlin Anselmo

Every Friday, Levittown Patch will highlight special kids in our area who have accomplished something great.

This week's Whiz Kids are Brian Manning and Kaitlin Anselmo.

Names: Brian Manning and Kaitlin Anselmo

Class: Seniors

School: Island Trees High School

Achievements: Brian Manning was named valedictorian of the Island Trees High School class of 2011, and Kaitlin Anselmo was named salutatorian.

Key to Awesomeness: With a cumulative weighted average of 104.68, Brian's intelligence and dedication to his schoolwork is undeniable. Throughout his high school career, he has completed eight AP courses, 12 advanced courses and one college course. While maintaining his extraordinary grades, Brian has also given much of his time to the Island Trees community. He is a Peer Leader, member of the National Honor Society and has participated in Dollars for Scholars and the Island Harvest food drives. He is a Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader, Crew Leader and a Junior Scoutmaster. He has played baseball, track and soccer, and was even captain of the boy's varsity soccer team when they won the league championship.

Brian has been accepted to Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Manhattan College, University of Maryland, University of Delaware, Penn State University and SUNY Buffalo. Wherever he decides to go, he plans to major in engineering. 

"Everyone at Island Trees is proud of what Brian has achieved," wrote Island Trees High School Principal Nicholas Grande. "Throughout his time at Island Trees Brian has proven to be a top student, but more importantly he has displayed qualities that made him an exceptional person. He is a true leader with frequent acts of altruism. It has been a privilege to know him and work with him."

As salutatorian with a cumulative weighted average of 104.49, Kaitlin Anselmo has also made her school proud. Over the past four years, Kaitlin has taken eight AP courses, twelve advanced courses and one college course. She was also chosen to be named a QuestBridge National College Match Finalist.

In addition to her scholarly excellence, Kaitlin is a Peer Leader, member of the National Honor Society, French Club, Mathletes, and Model UN, treasurer of Key Club and vice president of Human Awareness. She was involved in the annual Dollars for Scholars walk and has participated in chorus, lacrosse and softball in addition to holding a part-time job. This summer, she plans to spend three weeks volunteering in South Africa with Habitat for Humanity. 

Kaitlin has been accepted to New York University, University of Southern California, Wesleyan University and SUNY New Paltz. 

"All of us at Island Trees are proud of her for all she has achieved," wrote Grande, "but Kaitlin is so much more than just an exceptional student. She is a compassionate friend, selfless volunteer and a truly special young woman with maturity beyond her years. It has been an honor to know her and we wish her the best of luck after graduation." 

Levittown Patch is looking for Whiz Kid nominations. Know a kid, school club or team that deserves to be honored? Leave a comment or e-mail nina.ruggiero@patch.com.