Local Legend: UES Kid Reporter Finds News On Every Corner

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN — The Upper East Side's most energetic beat reporter has covered world record breaking feather boas, gold-topped milkshakes and the launch of a land made entirely of Legos.

What she hasn't done, yet, is turn 12 years old.

Sixth grader Waverly Winchester is the editor and chief of Kids News NYC and Patch's reporter for all things kids-related. Despite a shortage of years of the planet, Waverly isn't afraid to put the important questions to the elite of New York City.

"What advice do you have for children who want to follow their dreams?" Waverly asked drag queen icon Shangela.

"What other world records have you accomplished?" Waverly asked celebrity chef Joe Calderone.

"What is it like to be the villain?" Waverly asked off-Broadway star Peter Michael Marino.

("It's great to be the villain," Marino responded. "Who doesn't want to be the villain?")

Patch decided to turn the tables and interview Waverly as part of our Local Legends series, in which people who make New York City great discuss the neighborhoods they call home.

(Does your neighborhood have a Local Legend we should feature? Nominate them here.)

Here's what Waverly had to say about the Upper East Side:

Describe the Upper East Side in three words:

Fun, Fancy, Fabulous.

Obligatory food question: What's the best food you can only get on the UES and where do you find it?

I'm not sure there a lot of things that you can only get on the Upper East Side, but my favorite grilled cheese has to come from Gracie's on 2nd Diner, the best cupcakes are at Two Little Red Hens bakery, Salvo's Pizza Bar for pizza and penne with meat sauce...and the best broccoli in the world can only be found on the UES if my mom's cooking it at home.

What was your local favorite to report?

I loved reporting on Let's Dress Up on East 85th Street because it was one of my first stories after I had the idea to start a kids' news website. That was one of the first times I got to experience how cool it is to be a Kid Reporter, and of course my friends and I got to dress up like fancy princesses and have a tea party while I was doing it.

What do you wish you could change about the Upper East Side?

I would make the apartments have more space but make them cost less to live in!

Who in your neighborhood inspires you? Why?

I would have to say my mom, Denise. She taught me that no matter what happens to you, you just figure it out and keep on doing your best.

She also helped me so much with kidsnewsnyc.com after I told her about the idea. Even though she knew literally nothing about reporting, starting a website, or finding the right people to "pitch" stories to, she wanted to make sure that I knew that when I have a good idea, it is possible to make it become reality as long as I do the work to make it happen.

Why is local news important to you?

Sometimes it's hard to care about stuff happening really far away from you but if you keep your eyes open, you will realize that there are so many interesting and exciting people around and things going on that make wherever you live (but especially NYC, in my opinion) filled with things to do and things to learn about.

I also think that it's very important to know what is going on right around where you live - it can keep you safe and it can make you aware of things that you might have missed if you didn't pay attention.

What about the Upper East Side can you only enjoy as a kid?

Having a BFF Spa Date at Milk and Cookies Kids' Spa, and also getting all dressed up at Let's Dress Up!

And, of course, living here without having to pay for it is another thing about the UES that you can only enjoy as a kid.

This interview has been lightly edited for style.