Today, scientists are still studying this mystery and trying
to determine whether prodigies are a product of genetics or
upbringing. Here are profiles of child
prodigies.
- Chelsea Dock - Child Prodigy
Chelsea is a gifted, twelve-year old classical pianist that has been identified as a child prodigy. Chelsea began taking piano lessons at the age of 4 1/2 under the instruction of Eugenia Betman a Russian classical trained teacher. She is also a straight A academic student. Chelsea is a humble yet fierce competitor. She began competing and winning piano competitions at the age of 5. Chelsea has been a winner in her last 10 straight competitions.
- Autum Ashante - Child Prodigy
Autum Ashante is a child poet and aspiring actress. She has traveled extensively, received numerous accolades for her poetry and speaks several languages. She has performed several times at The Apollo theater and has appeared on several television programs. New York City councilwoman Yvette Clark has called her one of the most precious young talents that this world has ever known.
- Chinarah Winston - Child Prodigy
Chinarah Winston was awarded the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association for Gifted Children. The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award is designed to recognize achievement by children in grades three through six in the areas of academics, leadership, and the arts. The award seeks to inspire children to achieve their fullest potential, highlight gifted students, and draw attention to the needs of gifted and talented students.
- Brittany Acey - Child Prodigy
Brittany Acey was awarded the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association for Gifted Children. The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award is designed to recognize achievement by children in grades three through six in the areas of academics, leadership, and the arts. The award seeks to inspire children to achieve their fullest potential, highlight gifted students, and draw attention to the needs of gifted and talented students.
- Kimberly Quick - Child Prodigy
Kimberly Quick was awarded the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association for Gifted Children. The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award is designed to recognize achievement by children in grades three through six in the areas of academics, leadership, and the arts. The award seeks to inspire children to achieve their fullest potential, highlight gifted students, and draw attention to the needs of gifted and talented students.
- Renata Glusker - Child Prodigy
Renata Glusker was awarded the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association for Gifted Children. The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award is designed to recognize achievement by children in grades three through six in the areas of academics, leadership, and the arts. The award seeks to inspire children to achieve their fullest potential, highlight gifted students, and draw attention to the needs of gifted and talented students.
- Alexander R. Gaither - Child Prodigy
Alexander R. Gaither was awarded the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association for Gifted Children. The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award is designed to recognize achievement by children in grades three through six in the areas of academics, leadership, and the arts. The award seeks to inspire children to achieve their fullest potential, highlight gifted students, and draw attention to the needs of gifted and talented students.
- Leighton Reid Berry - Child Prodigy
Leighton Reid Berry was awarded the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association for Gifted Children. The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award is designed to recognize achievement by children in grades three through six in the areas of academics, leadership, and the arts. The award seeks to inspire children to achieve their fullest potential, highlight gifted students, and draw attention to the needs of gifted and talented students.
- Walter Holland Jr - Child Prodigy
Walter Holland Jr. was awarded the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association for Gifted Children. The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award is designed to recognize achievement by children in grades three through six in the areas of academics, leadership, and the arts. The award seeks to inspire children to achieve their fullest potential, highlight gifted students, and draw attention to the needs of gifted and talented students.
- Charles Boss - Outstanding Student
He is a tutor at Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and has volunteered his time to help raise money for the Red Cross, Food Bank, Sickle Cell Anemia and the Manna House. He was awarded the Young Heroes Award by the Louisiana Public Broadcasting Company. The Young Heroes Awards honor outstanding students in grades 4-12 who have served their community, overcome adversity or inspired others through their deeds and strength of character.
- Adam McFarland - Outstanding Student
This National Achievement Program participant is also a motivational speaker who tries to inspire students to be honest, adopt a positive attitude and work through whatever problems they have. He was awarded the Young Heroes Award by the Louisiana Public Broadcasting Company. The Young Heroes Awards honor outstanding students in grades 4-12 who have served their community, overcome adversity or inspired others through their deeds and strength of character.
- Christa Fisher - Outstanding Student
She belongs to a wide range of clubs at the school and has volunteered more than 100 hours of her time since she was freshman, including many fundraising efforts. She was awarded the Young Heroes Award by the Louisiana Public Broadcasting Company. The Young Heroes Awards honor outstanding students in grades 4-12 who have served their community, overcome adversity or inspired others through their deeds and strength of character.
- Shayla Price - Outstanding Student
Shayla Price is class valedictorian at Thibodaux High, Shayla has served as Sophomore and Junior Class President and is a member of the Senior Class Executive Board. A National Honor Society member, she helped organize the Bayou Interfaith Service Community Organizing Committee to help the youth in her area and also volunteers at St. Luke’s Catholic Church as a religion teacher.
- Brittany Monet Parker - Outstanding Student
When her mother developed meningitis, she ran their household and took care of her brother. She was awarded the Young Heroes Award by the Louisiana Public Broadcasting Company. The Young Heroes Awards honor outstanding students in grades 4-12 who have served their community, overcome adversity or inspired others through their deeds and strength of character.
- Euphoria Warren - Outstanding Student
Euphoria Warren maintains a 4.0 grade point average a Clark High. She has served as a mentor and tutored students in her neighborhood and works hard in the Peers Educating Peers Program. She has been honored by Orleans Parish School Board and the Louisiana Legislature for her academic achievements.
- Justin Stovall - Outstanding Student
Justin Stovall is the Academic Valedictorian at Central High School. Justin has the unique distinction of ranking first in his class of 248 students. He participated in the Academic Sports League and the Penn State Educational Partnership Program (PEPP). He is a three-sport athlete – participating in football, wrestling and track. He plans to attend Pennsylvania State University – the Behrend College to major in Business.
- Brian Fontenot - Outstanding Student
In 2004, Brian received the honor as an Eagle Scout of Troop 686. Brian is the Historian of the Symphonic Orchestra, a Webmaster, a Venture’s Scholar, a member of the Key Club, National Honor Roll, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and advanced to regional competition for short story in the Scholastic Writing Contest.
- Sasha Willingham - Outstanding Student
Sasha Willingham of Russellville, Alabama, is the 2007-2008 SADD National Student of the Year. She is also a member of the Alabama SADD Student Leadership Council. She most recently served as a member of the Executive Committee of the 2006-2007 SADD National Student Leadership Council. At Russellville High School, Sasha was an excellent student and she graduated in the top 10 percent of her class. She was also involved in many activities.
- Reuben Johnson - Outstanding Student
While attending his regular high school classes during the week, Reuben spends his Saturdays taking classes at Southwest Tennessee Community College. He has completed several courses including Introduction to Electrical Technology, Microcomputer Applications for Technicians and Engineering Technology Techniques. He is currently enrolled in Electric Circuits I.
- Andrea Murphy - Outstanding Student
Andrea Murphy, a senior, maintains a 3.8 grade point average and serves as President of the National Honor Society. She consistently makes A's in her marketing and business technology classes. She has participated in every aspect of the marketing program from competitive events to service learning. During her junior year, she was in the Honors Marketing class and exhibited superior leadership qualities. She was elected president of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA).
- Joy Buolamwini - Outstanding Student
Joy Buolamwini, a senior, is a top student with an extraordinary talent for computer programming. She received the William H. Sweet Award for Academic Excellence three years in a row. She has taken several Advanced Placement and Honors courses, receiving A's in each one. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction. She won five awards with her programming team at the University of Memphis Programming Challenge competition.
- Xavier Jones - Outstanding Student
Xavier Jones, a senior, excels in the classroom, on the field and in the community. He is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America Website Design Team. He was named a member of Who's Who Among American High School Students and holds a 3.72 weighted grade point average. He is a member of S.T.A.R., which stands for Students Taking Acting Seriously. In this organization, he is in charge of providing technical assistance. His varied duties include assisting with the lighting, sound, design and arrangements.
- Candance Swanigan - Outstanding Student
She has been active in the French Club for four years and is vice president this year. She has also been an important part of the school's Knowledge Bowl Team. She is currently the team's secretary. Candance is a level-headed student leader. She is sought out as a tutor by other students. She is active in Kids Promoting Animal Welfare, a program sponsored by the Youth Humane Society. She also has been an active member in the Youth Empowerment Program for her church.
- Whitney Bogard - Outstanding Student
She is the president of the Art Club. In this role, she assists sponsors with all shows and contest preparations. Whitney is a leader and role model for her peers. She sets an example in the classroom by giving her best effort in all situations. As the band's saxophone section leader, she is responsible for ensuring that her section is ready for all performances.
- Branden Asemah - Outstanding Student
Branden is vice president of the National Honor Society, holding a 4.3 weighted grade point average. He is a scholarship recipient of the Memphis Rotary Prep School Program, which sponsored his attending Choate Rosemary Hall Preparatory School during the summer. While there, Branden received the highest marks possible in Public Speaking, Journalism and World Issues.
- Fortune Burchett - Outstanding Student
While successful in her studies, Fortune has maintained a humble personality that allows her to learn from others and help those she sees in need. She holds a 3.87 unweighted grade point average. She achieved the highest grade point average while in middle school. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has maintained a spot on the Honor Roll or Principal's List throughout her high school career.
- Marcellis Price - Outstanding Student
Marcellis Price, a senior, has been a member of the band since seventh grade. In addition to serving as trumpet section leader, he is responsible for warming up and tuning the band. Although the band has a demanding performance schedule, Marcellis is able to maintain top grades, holding a 3.5 unweighted grade point average. He has been on the Principal's List, the Distinguished Honor Roll and ranks 19 out of 250 seniors.
- Sammuel Washington - Outstanding Student
Sammuel Washington, a senior, is a talented student with an intellectual curiosity. He currently is enrolled in Advanced Placement Calculus, Advanced Placement English and Honors History and Spanish. He hopes to pursue a dual major in Architectural Engineering and Mathematics. He holds a 4.2 weighted grade point average and scored a 29 on the ACT.
- AhDream Smith - Outstanding Student
She is ranked in the Top Five of her class. In addition, she has been inducted into the Mu Alpha Theta, the math honor society, and the National Honor Society. She received the Memphis City School's William H. Sweet Award for Academic Excellence every year since seventh grade. Last year she received an award for being an Outstanding Spanish III student. She was selected to attend a summer prep school at Choate Rosemary Hall and was the recipient of the prestigious Citizenship Award from the faculty there.
- Eboné Ingram - Outstanding Student
Eboné Ingram, a senior, loves to learn. Her enthusiasm in the classroom is electric. Her peers and teachers benefit from the high bar of excellence she sets for herself. She holds a 5.03 weighted grade point average. She has participated in the Knowledge Bowl the last three years and also won the Memphis City Schools William H. Sweet Award for Academic Excellence for three years.
- Chavez Scott - Outstanding Student
Chavez Scott, a senior, is an outstanding student and leader. He is currently enrolled in the Business and Finance program and holds an impressive 4.3 grade point average. He is taking Advanced Placement English, Advanced Placement Calculus and Advanced Placement Anatomy. He scored 28 on the ACT. For the past two summers, Chavez has attended prep school.
- Adrianne Gore - Outstanding Student
She holds a 4.89 weighted grade point average and is currently taking AP U.S. History, AP Calculus and AP English Literature. Adrianne has been inducted into the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Quill and Scroll. She has served on the Student Council's Executive Board for three years. She is Student Council President this year. She attended Governor's School for the Humanities and the Carleton Summer Writing Program.