We write a lot about local politicians, Tysons Corner traffic tangles and other grown-up goings on about town, but we thought we'd pause a moment to highlight some of our younger neighbors.

These McLean kids - and young adults - caught our attention for their recent accomplishments. A round of applause for the group, please!

• Ari Cukierman, a senior at the College of William and Mary and a graduate of the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology, recently received the Thomas Jefferson Prize in Natural Philosophy for 2012. Cukierman is double-majoring in Physics and Math. On Feb. 3, he will speak at Charter Day alongside the new chancellor of William & Mary, Robert Gates. 
• Andrew Patrick Thebes was named to the President's List at Clemson University for the fall 2011 semester. He is majoring in politican science.
• Flannery Hourican was placed on the Gettysburg College Dean's Honor List for the fall 2011 semester.
• Gordon Brown, the son of McLean residents Kevin and Lucinda Brown, qualified for the Dean's List at Davis & Elkins College for the fall 2011 semester. He is majoring in biology.
• Three Langley High School seniors recently reached the rank of Eagle Scout. William Augustine "Gus" Newton, Joseph Braeden Sebastian and Nathaniel A. "Nate" Webber received the awards on Sunday at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

Do you know a child that deserves to be included in our next installment of McLean Patch's Whiz Kids? Email bobbi.bowman@patch.com or lauren.sausser@patch.com and let us know.