This week, Merrick has named Jessica Arana as the Whiz Kid!

• Name: Jessica Arana

• School: Calhoun High School

• Grade: Freshman

• Key Accomplishment: Arana is a member of the of the 400 yard freestyle relay team that captured first place in the Nassau County Aquatic Championships, setting a new school record of 3:39:04.

• Keys to Awesomeness: Besides setting a new swimming record, Arana is a ninth grade student at Calhoun in all honors and accelerated courses. Aside from swimming for the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, she also swims for the Long Island Aqua Club (LIAC) throughout the year and during the summer. She has been swimming since the fifth grade and has earned a spot in the top 10 in the nation in USA Swimming in the 400 yard individual medley, 200 yard butterfly, 800 yard freestyle, and 1 mile freestyle events. Arana is also an active member of the Key Club.

Do you know a great kid? Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Emily.Cappiello@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?)