Whiz Kid: Michael Korins

This week, Merrick's Whiz Kid is Michael Korins.

Name: Michael Korins

School: Calhoun

Grade: Senior

Key Accomplishment: Korins has been selected as a member of the NYSSMA All-State Mixed Chorus, All County Chorus and has been inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Keys to Awesomeness: An autistic student in Calhoun's Prep Program, he is the first Prep student ever in the district to make All State Chorus. According to his mother, Ellen Korins, he has struggled all his life in just about every aspect of his life, but when he sings, his autism virtually disappears.  

Michael has also performed at numerous disability awareness events, the most recent being Hofstra University Voice Day. "We hope that Michael can be an inspiration to other children and teenagers with disabilities to pursue their dreams," said Ellen Korins. 

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?)