Whiz Kid: A Model Student, Inside and Out

Whiz Kid's Name: Madeleine Heppermann

Whiz Kid's Age: 18

Whiz Kid's School:

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Madeleine is a very busy young woman. In addition to being a model and gracing the cover of Alive magazine, she is an athlete, leader and valedictorian for her graduating class this year. She has been on the honor roll every quarter since 2007, when she began her academic career at John F. Kennedy Catholic High School. 

While leading the volleyball team as captain during her freshman year, Madeleine had time to receive the good character and English awards, as well as "El Estudiante Mas Brillante de todo El Mundo," the Spanish Student of the Year award.

During her sophomore year, Madeleine participated in the Catholic Schools Week Student Art Exhibit. Madeleine  received the sophomore math, English department and social studies awards, while leading the junior varsity soccer team as captain. She also received the 2009 Gateway West Young Achiever's Award. The icing on the cake occurred during her sophomore year, Madeleine was inducted into the National Honor Society.

Madeleine's successes continued during her junior year, receiving the Good Character Award, Student of the Year nomination, as well as acceptance into the St. Louis Archdiocesan High Schools' Art Show. She was also a Kennedy Theater intern and was an Above and Beyond inductee in the Kennedy Theater Department.

Now in her senior year, Madeleine continues to be a Kennedy Theater intern. Madeleine is also head of the props crew for musicals and head of the paint department for musical set buildings. Finally, Madeleine is now vice president of the National Honor Society at JFK Catholic High School and is looking forward to being valedictorian. Madeleine is an example to her peers and is admired by her teachers. 

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: "My key to success is staying grounded and remaining true to myself. I have slowly taken on more responsibility in my life, and in so doing, I have found my own ways of handling different situations and taking charge of what I have been asked to do," Madeleine said. "In learning how to balance school, family, friends, fitness, and work as a professional model, I have come to understand the importance of hard work and perseverance. I know my limits, and I try to keep my priorities in order at all times to so that I am able to execute my responsibilities to the best of my ability in every aspect of my life. Having a busy life and being able to successfully balance these things now has given me the confidence that I will be able to succeed at whatever I choose to take on throughout the rest of my life."

Know of a Whiz Kid? Send us your suggestion by telling us in the comments, or e-mail Gabrielle.Biondo@patch.com.