Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Haley McGonigle

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 Haley McGonigle, an all-star student and athlete from St. Pius X School.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Haley McGonigle

Whiz Kid's Age: 10

Whiz Kid's School:

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Haley is an all around star student and athlete at St. Pius X. Haley recently opened up the school's annual talent show by singing solo to the national anthem. Haley is also involved with the dance team for the school's talent show and pep rally as well as the school's cheer squad, who performs during the elementary school's football games.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Not shy by any means, Haley says she's not sure how she got involved in singing and dancing, but "I like it–it's like exercise."

There's something about performing on stage that Haley says she loves. "I just enjoy having people enjoy you up there dancing and singing–kind of seeing and hearing you doing it and stuff."

Haley just started to pick up the piano and is starting to take lessons. Though she hasn't taken any private voice or dance lessons yet, Haley is already a natural talent. Haley sang the national anthem in this year's talent show.

According to Haley, a few years ago, a student had played the national anthem on his guitar but no one has played or sang the national anthem since, until Haley.

"I was so nervous," recalls Haley about her performance at last Friday's talent show. "I was thinking, 'What not do I start off at so my voice doesn't crack?' But I just sort of sang it and I like how everyone cheered for me."

Haley says she's very familiar with the song and loved the national anthem even before it was a requirement for students at her school to memorize the lyrics.

"I loved how everyone sang it before games and stuff so I loved it before I needed to learn it," explains Haley.

Haley hopes to continue singing and dancing as long as she can and anticipates to cheer her way to high school as well.

"I definitely want to be an entertainer someday," shares Haley, who is already looking forward to next year's talent show. "I love the talent shows and I like how everyone watches you and your friends perform."

The entertainer who she looks up to? Taylor Swift. "I love all her music and how she writes about her life and stuff."

If she isn't on stage, Haley can also be found on the fields outside playing soccer and baseball. And if the entertaining thing doesn't work out, Haley is also considering to become a teacher someday.

"Maybe an elementary school teacher," says Haley. "I like how everyone looks up to you and you teach everyone. And all of your students will depend on you for stuff to do."

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. Send nominations to jennifer.kim@patch.com.