Whiz Kids of the Week: Ian Bracken and Melissa Aune-Myers

Names: Ian Bracken,18, and Melissa Aune-Myers, 17, nominated by Scriber Lake High School as students of the month for February.

School: Scriber Lake High School

Accomplishments: Ian Bracken, the son of Carol Lynn Bracken, is co-manager of the Scriber Lake student store and was on the yearbook staff his junior year. He has consistently won honors for his academic excellence and picked up the Accepting the Challenge of Excellence award from Edmonds Exchange Club in February 2011. Ian regularly assists at school functions such as open houses, FAFSA night and graduation. He is currently in the dental assistant program at Sno-Isle Skills Center and plans to attend community college and possibly the University of Washington. Ian’s goal is to become a dental hygienist.

Melissa Aune-Myers, the daughter of Ken and Michelle Bradshaw, is involved in the science club, Young Life, S.O.S. Snowboarding Program, Scriber Lake Bash Committee, INSTEP (Interdisciplinary Studies Environmental Program) and the W.O.W. (Women of Wisdom) friendship/anti-bullying program. Melissa, who enjoys snowboarding, skiing and hiking, is a February 2011 winner of the Edmonds Daybreak Rotary Hidden Award. She plans to attend community college and a four-year college and pursue her goal of becoming a veterinarian and/or fitness trainer. Melissa turns 18 on March 21.

Keys to Awesomeness: Ian gained valuable life experience as a cashier, and lead birthday party host at Chuck E. Cheese's. Melissa reaches out to many students and forms friendships easily. Her hobbies are art and helping people.

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 e-mail the information to Heidi.Dietrich@Patch.com. Be sure to include 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?)

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