Whiz Kid Laura Purkey Devotes Spare Time to Worthy Causes

As a sophomore at , Laura Purkey jumped in with both feet when it came to school activities.

A member of the orchestra, marching band and French Club, Purkey was active in Student Activists for the Environment, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She participated in this year’s “Odyssey of the Mind” competition, and aspires to become a writer or an attorney.

In nominating Laura as a “Whiz Kid,” her sister Hannah called her the “most motivated and strongest person I know,” noting that while balancing her activities, she still has time for friends and family.

After returning from a trip to Disney World with the concert band, Purkey took time to talk about her activities and plans for the future with us.

Patch: The "Odyssey of the Mind" competition sounds like it must have been quite a challenge for you, but fun at the same time.

Purkey: We had a team of six of us who went to the regional competition in Moon Township during the first week of March. We had to come up with a solution to a common problem, and then each team had to solve another problem on its own. Although we didn’t advance to the state competition, it was a lot of fun for us and a good experience.

Patch: Your involvement with Student Activists for the Environment would indicate that you have an interest in the environment and in nature. What did you do with the program this year?

Purkey: We did a fundraiser with collecting reusable green bottles, and we also did a project with spider plants. We also are taking the branches of a big spider plant, and giving them out to students and teachers who can go home and plant them in order for them to raise the plants on their own. It will be a really nice project. I really like the outdoors and enjoying the environment.

Patch: You said that you also are involved in some community events as well.

Purkey: I’m involved with the Interact Club at the high school. We just finished up the TATU program, which is Teens Against Tobacco Use. There were six of us who went to and gave presentations throughout the day on the dangers of using tobacco and the harmful effects it has on your body. 

Patch: You’re involved in programs like SAFE and TATU. Would it be accurate to say that you devote your time to causes that you really believe that are worthy?

Purkey: I think it’s important that we are active in causes like the environment, which is a really important issue. It’s something we really have to take care of in the coming years. We as students have to set a foundation as to what is going to be happening in the years ahead. It’s important that older kids teach younger kids about the importance of things like the environment and not smoking.

Patch: You have expressed an interest in writing or being an attorney. Have you decided upon  what kind of school that you would like to attend post-high school?

Purkey: I’m really interested in both things. I enjoy observing people and trying to hear their thoughts. Even though we live in the same world, all of us can see it so differently. I also like to read, and enjoy things like mysteries and historical fiction. As far as college, I’d like to go to either a big city or perhaps to a place that is warmer. I like New York University and the University of North Carolina.

We congratulate Purkey and wish her the best of luck. Do you know of an amazing child or teen? Read how to submit your Whiz Kid nomination .