Student Brings Clean Water to Children in Honduras

This weeks Whiz Kid is 11-year-old Alex Rasmussen, a 5th grade Isaac Fox Elementary School student. Alex and his family recently returned from an eight-day trip to Honduras where they along with another family put in a water purification system for the 800 resident city of Cuymel and built a latrine in a neighboring town.

The clean water would have been life-changing enough for the residents, but Alex wanted to do more. Before he left, Alex participated in a Water Walk that portrayed the average distance that the residents of Cuymel would regulary walk to get clean water. Along with his participation, Alex raised more than $900 in fundraising  to be used in the clean water efforts.  

In addition, after learning how the children of Honduras enjoyed baseball caps and T-Shirts, Alex, along with  his family, contacted the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Cubs and his fellow 5th grade classmates at Issac Fox Elementary in Lake Zurich and had his own hat and shirt collection drive.

In the end Alex had more than 100 items that he was able to bring to Honduras and pass out to the children there. When he returned home, he shared with his classmates how awesome the experience was and how good it made him feel to do these things for the people of Cuymel.

We are proud to honor Alex as this week's Whiz Kid for his selflessness and kind heart to others.  Congratulations Alex.

Who Do You Nominate to Be a Whiz Kid?

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.

Each week, Lake Zurich Patch will see suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to ken@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator’s Name

• Nominator’s Email

• Whiz Kid’s Name

• Whiz Kid’s Age

• Whiz Kid’s School

• Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment

• Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

If your nominee is selected, we’ll contact you and will request a photo. Questions? Email ken@patch.com