Patch Whiz Kids of the Week: Young Marines of Westchester

Know a kid so smart, self-aware or sweet that he or she can only be described as a “Whiz Kid?” Each week, our site will highlight the accomplishments of local children and teens. From youth group leaders to sports team captains to scholarship winners, all will be considered for “Whiz Kid” status on Scarsdale Patch. Submit nominations in the comment box below, or e-mail the information to kirstin.fawcett@patch.com.

Here's our story on this week's Whiz Kids: Young Marines of Westchester

The Young Marines are a group that aims to build confidence and discipline in boys and girls aged 8 through 18. The local Westchester chapter is based in White Plains, and has 26 members: Kyle Avery, 15 of Mt. Vernon; 15-year-old Lukas Brandon of White Plains; Debra Caminade, 10, of Port Chester; Sebastian DeGuisto, 16, of Poughkeepsie; 11-year-old Dylan Deierlein of Yonkers; 10-year-old Giancarlo DelliColli of Rye; Marco DelliColli, 14, Rye; Una Flynn, 15, Port Chester; Anthony Hernandez, 12, of Queens; Jack Hickey, 10, of New Rochelle; Christopher Holman, 15, of White Plains; Daniel Marshall, 17, New Rochelle; Liam Monaghan, 17, of Mamaroneck; Rosa Morocho, 10, of White Plains; Jason Regalado, 12, of White Plains; Devora Romero, 9, of Porch Chester; Jose Sandoval, 10, of Woodside; Adalheid Seda, 15, of Yonkers; James Shier Jr., 16, of Milton; Everettt Silver, 14, of Ossining; Marlon Smith, 15, of White Plains; Bryan Suqui, 14, of White Plains; and Jose Velez, 9, of Peekskill

Key to Awesomeness: Inner drive and discipline

Whiz Kids' Accomplishment: Each Friday night from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. these boys and girls choose to set an example for their peers across Westchester by devoting their evening to bettering themselves through discipline and self-esteem building.

Instead of getting into trouble on a Friday like some teens, the older members of the Young Marines spend every Friday night mentoring younger members. The entire group learns about history and public service. They represent the youth’s appreciation for the men and women who have served our country, and have participated in several local flag raising ceremonies, like this past ceremony in White Plains.