Lake Forest Student Credits Discipline, Focus for Raising GPA

This week's Whiz Kid: Stella Gilbertson,

You were recently given the school's for raising your grade point average the most from the previous semester. (Stella raised her grade point + .62). How much did you raise your GPA and were you surprised to receive the award? Why?  

 I was a bit surprised, but it wasn’t a complete shock because I knew I had been working very hard.  I was happy when I got the award, though.
 
Can you tell how you were able to raise your GPA? Did you change anything in the way you prepared for your classes?
 
I really made sure to take the time to know my school work really well. I have been much more disciplined and on task this year. Another thing is I just made sure to get those easy points, like getting my homework in on time for full credit.
 
How does being at Woodlands help you excel as a student?
 
The teachers at Woodlands really work hard to try and make sure everyone in the classes knows the material. It helps that they are there for anything that you need.
 
Are you the oldest child in your family? The first to attend Woodlands or is there a family history there? 
 
I am one of four children, the youngest girl.  My two older sisters went to Woodlands. Obviously, my brother could not!
 
What other activities are you involved in at Woodlands? How do you balance those against your schoolwork?
 
I am in Kaleidoscope (a singing group), and I play tennis for Woodlands. I balance my activities with my studies by making sure to do my work as soon as I get home, and I try not to get distracted by other things.

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Know a great kid who achieved Eagle Scout, did your local soccer team take the championship, or do you know a young person making a difference in the community? They may be our next Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch Whiz Kid honoree.

Each week, Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch will seek 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 tojames.powers@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator’s Name

• Nominator’s Email

• Whiz Kid’s Name

• 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? E-mail james.powers@patch.com