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Whiz Kid: Parkway West Middle Student Runs, Swims and Scouts

Drew Bonnett is an well-rounded young man with a modest view of his achievements.

Combine a top student, cross-country runner, triathlete, endurance swimmer, Boy Scout and accomplished musician and who do you have? Drew Bonnett, a very busy, barely 13 year old, seventh grade student at Parkway West Middle School. He could be called a Renaissance man.

"He's an outstanding young man with good leadership qualities, and he always has kind words for his peers. He has interests and accomplishments in many areas. Drew is a great representative of our students at West Middle," said Jason Kozdron, the school's assistant principal. 

"I like running, music and swimming. Activities were a way for me to meet new friends when I graduated to middle school," he said. As a fifth-grade student, he wrote an article about the middle school transition and spoke with Linda Lelonek, principal at West Middle.

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"She said the best way to meet people and adjust to new situations is to get involved," Drew said. "So I joined track and cross country and was pretty good, so I kept working at it. It helped me meet new friends, too." 

Swimming is Drew's first love; he is a member of the Parkway Swim Club. While he competes in relays and short individual events, he said he prefers endurance events such as the 1600-meter freestyle.

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"It doesn't really seem like a long distance, and my coach helps keep me motivated at the end of a race," Drew said.

Drew's next goals include becoming an Eagle Scout and running a half marathon. 

"I hope to complete my Eagle Scout service project this summer but haven't decided what the project will be," he said. 

In June, he and his parents will run a half marathon in Utah. "I've run seven miles but never 13 miles," Drew said. "But I don't think it will be too hard because most of the race is downhill." 

Drew balances his studies, sports and scouting activities with an interest in music. He has played piano for seven years and will test his abilities at an upcoming music competition. He is also a violinist in the middle school orchestra. "Being in the orchestra is a blast. It's just fun to play music with my friends," he said. 

He is a humble young man who takes his accomplishments in stride. 

"I don't like to say I'm the best student or best runner. There are many students who do things better than I do. I try to be modest about what I achieve. I just want to be a regular kid. I like to be with my family, hang out with my friends, and play with my little brother, because he makes me laugh," Drew said.

Drew is the son of Dave and Amy Bonnett. His sister, Sarah, is a fifth-grade student at Claymont Elementary School. His brother, Will, is a first-grader at Claymont.

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout? Or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kids honoree.

Each week, Chesterfield 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. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to rachel.heaton@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?)

We'll contact you if your nominee is selected. For questions, e- mail rachel.heaton@patch.com.

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