Community Corner

Whiz Kid: BSM Student Blasts Off to Camp

Liza Magill, 15, recently got back from a stay at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Alabama.

Every Wednesday, St. Louis Park Patch will recognize an outstanding local youngster as a "Whiz Kid." If you would like to nominate someone, please click .

Whiz Kid: Liza Magill

Age: 15

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School: (sophomore)

Accomplishment: Recently attended the 2011 Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. Also recently qualified for a national speech tournament this summer.

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Key to Awesome-ness: Liza Magill seems to be one of those people who truly uses — and uses fully — both sides of her brain.

The Benilde-St. Margaret's sophomore recently returned from the 2011 Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy, held Feb. 26 through March 11 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. Magill was among 238 students from 26 countries and 27 U.S. states to learn about issues in science, technology and engineering. The highlight for the 15-year-old was the simulated rocket launch, where she and other students got to play the role of mission control.

"It was a lot of fun," Magill said. "There were kids from around the world."

At the same time, Magill is accomplished in a very different discipline — competitive speech. The youngster recently qualified for a national tournament to be held this June in Dallas.

Beyond her interest in engineering and speech, the sharp sophomore enjoys soccer, debate and volunteering, among other hobbies.


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