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.
Each week, Hamden Patch will seek 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 each week 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
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- 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.
Find out what's happening in Hamdenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
And on to this week's Whiz Kid:
Name: Claire Brigham
Age: 16
Grade: Sophomore
School: Hamden Hall Country Day School
Accomplishment: Despite being one of the youngest players on the Varsity swim team at Hamden Hall, Brigham has been one of the strongest competitors for the squad. As part of the 200 medley relay team that is among the top 15 in the state, in addition to posting strong results in individual events including the 50 and 100 Free, Brigham helped lead Hamden Hall to first place in the CISAC Swimming Championships.
“I was really surprised at how quickly the results have been coming,” said Brigham. “There are so many good seniors swimming right now in our league, so it’s great to be doing this well as a sophomore.”
Key to Awesomeness: Competition has been in Brigham’s blood from a very early age. At the age of 5, she was already competing in swimming meets for the team at High Lane Country Club, who she still continues to swim for every summer.
These days, Brigham finds herself in the pool at the YMCA in North Haven or Hamden Hall Aquatics Club almost every day, long after the swim season is over.
“Our practices are tough,” said Brigham, who is coached by Ken Pierson and Colleen Delaney. “We do a lot of distance and sprinting both in and out of the pool, as well aspulling and kicking sets.”
As one of the youngest competitors on the team, Brigham said she was especially encouraged when thinking what her junior and senior years have in store for her.
“A lot of the relay teams in the 200 medley who are stronger than us now will have graduated completely by the time I’m a senior,” said Brigham. “I think we have a really good shot at finishing among the top 8 in the state.”
What’s Next: A three sport athlete at Hamden Hall, Brigham will now get ready to suit up for the Varsity lacrosse team this spring.
