Whiz Kid: SHA Graduate Katie Winkle

Name: Katherine (Katie) Winkle

Age: 18

Grade: Graduate

School: Sacred Heart Academy

Accomplishment: Sacred Heart Academy graduate  Katie Winkle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Craig J. Winkle of Orange, was presented with the distinguished 2011 Mother Clelia Merloni Award at this year’s Sacred Heart Academy Honors Convocation.

This award, named for the foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is given to the senior who, in the opinion of the sisters, has consistently exemplified dedication to the charism of the foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As an outstanding Christian woman, recipients embody and remain true to the values that are Sacred Heart Academy.

“Katie Winkle is an outstanding Christian woman – a leader who always rises to a challenge," said SHA president Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ. "She is the quintessential Sacred Heart Academy student, known for her dedication and commitment to the mission and core values of the Academy. Administrators, faculty members, fellow students or teammates alike have witnessed her energy, enthusiasm, dependability and passion for service.”  

Katie is a member of Key Club, Earth Club, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Yearbook and Athletic Hospitality Team and a starting varsity softball pitcher for four years. Outside of school, she has volunteered at Orange Park and Rec, Camp Rising Sun, Relay for Life, The Tommy Fund, American Red Cross, Light the Night, Circle of Care and Smilow Cancer Center.

Sacred Heart Academy, a Catholic college preparatory school founded in 1946 by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, successfully prepares young women in grades 9 through 12 for learning, service and achievement in a global society. There are currently 500 students hailing from New Haven, Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex and New London counties.

Do you know a Whiz Kid?

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kids honoree.

Hamden Patch is seeking suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one as the Patch Whiz Kid.  

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to kathleen.ramunni@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?)

If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail kathleen.ramunni@patch.com.