Whiz Kid: Jack Grenier

Editor's Note: This week, as part of our new line-up of features that will continue to appear in coming days, we debut Whiz Kid, where we showcase that young person who's got that something special. We invite you to nominate candidates in the Comments at the end. Our first Whiz Kid was nominated by Patricia Tsoi-a-Sue, whose son is also on the team. Jack's coaches are Terry Wells and Jackie Taylor.

NAME: Jack Grenier, 10 years old

SCHOOL: Lowell Elementary School (fifth grade)

ACCOMPLISHMENT: Count Grenier among those youngsters vying to be the next Einstein or Tesla. On May 22, 2010, Grenier brought his own hovercraft to the Long Beach Unified School District Science Fair, where he advanced to the District level for the second time in three years. That massive undertaking (the ‘hovercraft’ runs on a leaf blower connected with a large hose, gliding along the ground as far as an extension cord can hold) was instrumentally assisted by Jack’s grandfather, Ron, an engineer with a passion for applied science.

He was also a member of the Robo Rally Lego Robotics Team that competed in the First Lego League 2010 Challenge, which advanced to the Regional Competition in December. Jack’s special contribution to that endeavor was as the team’s "prosthetics expert." Their presentation style? His team wrote a script for an infomercial with Grenier playing the part of mock spokesman.

Grenier’s first science project that advanced to the District level grew from his 3rd grade curiosity about how much pressure is created when you combine Mentos and Diet Coke. Ka-boom! He hopes to advance to District again this year by demonstrating Newton’s Third Law via a homemade rocket powered by air and water pressure.

KEY TO ACCOMPLISHMENT: “Jack loves to build things that 'do something,' like explode, fly or blast off,” his mother, Leslie Grenier, said. “He is very curious and VERY persistent. He also enjoys sharing his projects with friends and classmates. I think most of the third grade got rides on the hovercraft last year!

“Jack is a very kind and thoughtful kid.  He is a dreamer with a rich 'inner life.' Often when he appears to be daydreaming, he will suddenly ask a question or tell a story that makes you realize that he was thinking all along about something interesting.”

To nominate a whiz kid, e-mail nancy.wride@patch.com, or type in your nomination in the Comments. Send us the contacts and a brief description of what makes this kid a stand-out. Maybe that child visits shut-ins or nursing homes with her pet dog. Let us know, and if selected, we will contact you to arrange for a photograph.