Patch Whiz Kids of the Week: Joseph and Jason Hare

Each week, Marple Newtown Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. This week we highlight brothers Joseph and Jason Hare, of Marple, for receiving the gold and silver awards, respectively, on a national Greek mythology exam.

Patch Whiz Kids of the Week: Joseph and Jason Hare

Whiz Kids' Ages: 12 and 10, respectively.

Whiz Kids' Hometown: Marple Township

Whiz Kids' School: Home-Schooled

Whiz Kids' Accomplishment: Joseph took the basic exam (30 questions) plus 10 questions on the theme "Underworld" and the 10-question literary sub-test on Norse Mythology. He read relevant parts of d'Aulaire's ook of Greek Myths" and Book of Norse Myths. Joseph was awarded a gold medal for having a perfect score of 50 out of 50 on the Excellence Through Classics national mythology exam.

Jason took the basic exam (30 questions) plus 10 questions on the theme 'Underworld." He read relevant parts of d'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths. Jason was awarded a silver medal for scoring 39/40 on his national mythology exam.

Whiz Kids' Key to Awesomeness: Both Joseph and Jason have taken the Classics exam a few times before but this year was the first time both boys have received one of the highest awards and placed their personal best.

"I've taken it two other years and got silver," shared Joseph. "It feels awesome to get gold. When I did it the two other times and I took it this year, it all just kind of came back to me."

For Jason, "I've gotten an honorable mention before but this year is this first year to get a medal. It feels really good. I did study really hard but we studied for a long time. I'm hoping to get gold next year."

Though both accomplished a great feat with the Classics the boys have other interest elsewhere. For Joseph, his interests lie in mathematics while Jason prefers science.

And though they're not in a public school, both boys shared their enjoyment for home school.

"Well, there are so many things that are cool about it," said Jason about being home schooled. For one, Jason said he starts his day around 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. and studies about 10 different subjects on a regular day but ends school earlier than most public school kids. School ends in May.

"I don't have to get up too early or wear a uniform, there's not bus to take and no homework," added Joseph.

If they're not at home studying, both brothers can be seen playing baseball with the Media Little League. And, hopefully, for Joseph, playing the piano or organ someday.

Both boys also shared some of the future aspirations.

Joseph: "I'd like to be a fireman or policeman–sometimes it's hard to choose between to two. But it would be nice to save lives and help people."

Jason: "Probably a marine.I saw it on TV and I think it's really cool what they do and also how they do it."

Editor's note: Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local 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.