Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Ryan Sims

Name: Ryan Sims, nominated by Snohomish County branch of the NAACP

School: Edmonds-Woodway High School/Edmonds Community College

Accomplishments: Ryan recently received the Shirley Walthall Youth Achievement Award when the Snohomish County branch of the NAACP honored community members at its annual Freedom Fund Gala. Walthall was the first African-American elementary school teacher and principal in the Everett School District. She retired because of illness and still lives in Everett. Every year the Snohomish County Branch NAACP selects one high-school senior who shows leadership and commitment to the community.

Keys to Awesomeness: Ryan, who is in the Running Start program at Edmonds Community College, was chosen for his commitment to other youth by mentoring and being an example to others by his hard work and thoughtfulness. He teaches dance at Edmonds Boys and Girls Club. He's an example to other young men by exemplifying that, through education and community volunteering, success can come through various avenues.

This is part of a weekly feature, Whiz Kid. We want to pick out an outstanding Edmonds kid, youth group, teen or sports team to profile each week.

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

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 email the information to Heidi.Dietrich@Patch.com. Be sure to include the following information:

●      Nominator's Name

●      Nominator's Email

●      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?)

 If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, email Heidi.Dietrich@Patch.com.