Whiz Kid: A Tip of the Hat to Connor Creswell of Eastside Catholic School

Each week, Sammamish Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams who wow us with their accomplishments.

This week, the "Whiz Kid" for Sammamish Patch is a 17-year-old Mercer Island resident, who attends  in Sammamish. Two words about what this young man has done and continues to do: Nice job.

Sammamish Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Connor Creswell, founder of Cool Kicks

Whiz Kid's School: Eastside Catholic School

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: The following is from Ministry Leadership teacher Lynn Kittridge, who nominated him.

"When talking about self-motivation and perseverance, the name Connor Creswell should be at the forefront. Two years ago Connor and his mom Stephanie were volunteering at the Wearhouse at Treehouse, a nonprofit organization that fills the gap in the needs for kids in foster care. He noticed there weren’t many shoes in the shoe racks. Connor’s answer was to create Cool Kicks. He has worked with 18 organizations and collected nearly 700 pairs of shoes, estimated to be worth more than $11,000. His goal is to establish an organization that can live on.
 
This month Treehouse is honoring Connor with the Wendy Walters Truitt Champion for Foster Kids award for his 'leadership and generous spirit' at their Champion for Foster Kids luncheon. In February, KING5's Evening Magazine featured Connor and his work."

Sammamish Rotary Award: Creswell will be recognized on Thursday for his efforts. This is from Kittridge, his teacher:

"The Sammamish Rotary presentation of Student of the Month is Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 am at Bellewood Retirement Center. They are recognizing him for leadership and citizenship. They provide the student with a plaque and ask them and their nominating teacher to say a few words." 
 
From the Treehouse website:

"Since 1988, Treehouse has filled the gaps for kids in foster care, providing services that no other agency addresses: money for extra-curricular activities and summer camp, professional educational support services, resources to fully participate in the everyday activities of growing up, clothing and supplies to help them fit in at school."

Editor's note: Sammamish Patch wants to hear about amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to brad.wong@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's E-Mail
• Whiz Kid's Name
• Whiz Kid's Age
• Whiz Kid's School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
• Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful? Please include a 150-word description)

Just a gentle reminder: This is not a competition. This is just a nice community way to highlight young people in Sammamish - and especially those who inspire. Sammamish Patch will try and feature as many students as possible.