Whiz Kid: A Young History of Helping Others

Lauren Rappaport

○ Whiz Kids’ Age: 16

○ Whiz Kids’ School:  Aliso Niguel High School (Junior)

○ Whiz Kids' Accomplishments: When Lauren was in fourth grade and her younger brother, Drew was a kindergartener, she would often stop by his classroom to check in and see how he was doing.  Soon, she began helping the teacher out during her recess breaks.  Eventually she began volunteering for the teacher during the summer.  When she wasn’t helping in the classroom, she volunteered as an assistant Camp Counselor at Camp James in Irvine.  She has also been active in Gymnastics, including attendance at the Junior Olympics for two years in a row.  She was a member of the Track and Field team at Aliso Niguel for two years.  At Don Juan Middle School, she was the editor of the Yearbook.  She is currently a writer for the Growling Wolverine, her school newspaper. 

○  How she became awesome:  Lauren first learned about community service from her Dad, Don Rappaport, when she “tagged along” with him during a 5K run.   Fortunately for Lauren, she was able to ride in her stroller as her dad hit the pavement.  Every year since, Lauren herself has participated in the Race for the Cure (the Susan B. Komen Foundation's annual 5k fundraiser). When she was younger, she would walk the route and now that she is older, she jogs.

○  What She Might Do Next:  Lauren has her eye on UC Santa Cruz or Long Beach State University.  She hasn’t exactly decided what her major will be, but she is considering Education, Social Work and Human Resources as possible careers.  She also says that whatever she does professionally, it will involve “helping others."

○  What Worked Best When Volunteering: Lauren created awards and praised students for good behavior and following directions.

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