McLean Whiz Kids

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!

• These students signed NCAA National Letters of Intent with the following schools. Each will receive scholarships and will be playing sports at the college level next school year: Brianna Nielsen, Virginia Commonwealth University, Soccer; Bridget Smith,  University of Indiana, Crew; Caroline Gray, University of South Carolina, Soccer; Meghan Wheeler, Princeton University, Crew; Melissa Frazee, Georgetown University, Crew; Michael Russo, University of Central Florida, Soccer; Peter Behm, American University, Soccer; Robbie Maffei, Manhattan College, Soccer. 
• Juliet Abtahi qualified for the Dean's List for the fall semester at Berklee College of Music.
• Jody Davis and Kyle McGinnis qualified for the honor roll at Washington and Lee University for the fall semester.
• Kathleen Susan Phelan, Megan Ann Pickett, Christopher Bryan Collins and Frank Winston qualified for the Dean's List for the fall semester at Miami University.
• The dance team earned a first place distinction in the kick and jazz categories at a recent away competition. The team will move on to the national championship in Orlando on March 3-4.
• Jay Ives and Leland Jenkins, seniors at Langley High School and members of the school's wrestling team, qualified for the AAA VHSL State Tournament last weekend.
• Mary Katherine Shedlock qualified for the Dean's List at Juniata College for the fall semester.
• Daniel Christian, Greg Lobel, Margaret Hynds, Taylor Brown and Andrea Pappas have been chosen to represent Virginia as national youth correspondents for the 2012 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University.
• Dane A. Carlisle, Taylor M. Durning, Robert F. Higgins, Brenna M. Hill, Eric H. Nguyen, Shayda Rezazad, Kelly E. Riordan, Alexandre J. Shivnen, Will A. Thompson and Chiara Tornabene qualified for the Dean's List at the University of Mary Washington.

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.