Whiz Kid of the Week: Michael Kaplan

Each week, the Haverford-Havertown 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. 

Now here is this week's Whiz Kid:

Whiz Kid's Name:  Michael Kaplan

Whiz Kid's School:  Haverford Middle School

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Well-Rounded Athlete

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: "Mike was 13 on March 22nd. He’s  a baseball player. He played for Karakung Little League for the past spring season, and for Fall Ball for the past 2 years.  In the past he played on the Merion Golf Merwood league.  Since he’s now too old for Karakung, he plans to sign up for the Babe Ruth League this spring.

Mike attended the Phillies summer baseball academy for 2 summers.  In this camp he won the best overall player and sportsmanship award his first year.  His favorite moment of his baseball career so far was in this past Fall ball.  There were 2 outs and the bases were loaded when he hit a game winning 3-run triple off the right field fence!  As you can see, baseball is really his passion.  When he grows up he wants to be a major league baseball player.

Mike also likes playing intermural soccer, and has played for many years. Another interest is playing the trombone. He started playing in 4th grade, and now plays in the 7th grade  band!  Mike also likes to draw and sketch.  In the past he took classes at The Main Line Art Center.  One class that he enjoyed was on “Cartooning.”  Mike’s art teachers have expressed that they think he’s a creative fellow.  

During the past summer Mike was a Counsellor in training (CIT) at the JCC Kaiserman summer camp. He enjoyed playing with the 5 year-old kids and helping them with different things.  Mike is also the comedian in his family! He always makes his parents and my brother, Scott, laugh. He reports that it makes him laugh to see them laugh.

Mike has a little brother Scott who is also into baseball.  His dad is named Jon and my mom is named Debbie," said , Optimist Youth of the Month co-ordinator.

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Submit your nomination and pictures by e-mail to anthony.leone@patch.com. For more information regarding nominations, please click here.