Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Neumann Scholar Mary Kate Masterson

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 eighth-grade student Mary Kate Masterson of St. Pius X School for her recent academic achievements becoming a Neumann Scholar.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Mary Kate Masterson

Whiz Kid's Age: 14

Whiz Kid's School:

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Mary Kate Masterson was one of the approximate 990 students eligible to compete in the Neuman Scholars Program, a scholarship program initiated in 1995 to identify academically talented eighth-grade students through an independently administered competitive exam that provides four-year scholarships to attend one of the 20 Archdiocesan high schools of their choice. For the 2011-12 school year, the scholarship is valued at $5,600. Mary Kate was one of the 36 students who received the scholarship this year. President of the Connelly Foundation Josephine Mandeville visited St. Pius to personally award the prestigious award to Mary Kate.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: "It's exciting," said Mary Kate about receiving the coveted scholarship.

According to Mary Kate, this year's question was "What do you do in your church and school community?"

Although modest during her interview, Mary Kate revealed she's part of the school choir and is an altar server at St. Pius. In addition, she plays the clarinet for the school's band, which she started playing in the fourth grade and may continue playing in high school.

To top it off, Mary Kate likes to run and you can see her on the fields playing soccer or by the track competing in distance running for the school.

"I think I'll continue doing them in high school," said Mary Kate, who has already decided she will be attending Archbishop Carroll in Radnor next fall. "They're fun. I like being on a team and being active."

But one of Mary Kate's favorite activities is writing. Whether she's writing in her journal or writing fiction stories, she enjoys the hobby and hopes to make it a career someday. 

"I would like to be a writer–a novelist or fiction writer," said Mary Kate.

She's already written a screenplay for a movie she filmed with friends about a ghost-haunting apartment. Mary Kate hopes to dabble in more arts and theatre through the high school musical or play next year.

Excited about the upcoming school year as a high school student, Mary Kate said,  "There's a lot of new people to meet and a lot of clubs to join...maybe I'll be in a lot of clubs."

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.