WHIZ KID: Stephen Blackwell

Whiz Kid Nominators: James E. Blackwell III and Lolita Blackwell

Whiz Kid: Stephen Blackwell

Whiz Kid School: Aberdeen Middle School

Whiz Kid Accomplishment: Second Year Ben Carson Scholar

Whiz Kid Key to Awesomeness: Very Focused Student

Lolita Blackwell describes her 12-year-old son Stephen as, “a well-rounded student who maintains a 3.85 GPA.”

"Stephen is a musician—he plays the bass guitar at his church Nebo Christian Ministries in Baltimore, Maryland,” said Lolita Blackwell . “This ministry is also the place where Stephen serves the elderly as part of his service to the community.”

Stephen, a sixth grader, also is a second year Ben Carson Scholar at Aberdeen Middle School. He holds this honor along with a few other students at his school.  He was chosen as a first year scholar at Halls Cross Roads Elementary School, Lolita Blackwell said.

The program sponsored by the Ben Carson Scholarship Foundation, chooses students for the award based on GPA, community service, and an essay submission, Lolita Blackwell said.

"During his 5th grade year, Stephen was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for college and a medal presented at an annual banquet held at the Martin's West in Baltimore,” Lolita Blackwell said.

Stephen's parents are both educators in the Harford County Public School System. Both said he can be a normal silly kid, but he has an innate ability to maintain a focused demeanor in school throughout the year. Stephen both runs track and plays football with Aberdeen Parks and Recreation.

"He's very motivated and competitive," says his father coach James E. Blackwell III—who is a volunteer for Aberdeen Parks and Recreation. " He wants to play quarterback tor the first time this year—he’s working very hard at this," says the elder Blackwell.

Stephen's father filled with joy as he spoke of his son's love for matt.

“He  has maintained a 96% all year in his math class,” Jaemes Blackwell III said. "He was captain of the Robotics League at Halls Cross Roads during his fifth grade year. He is on the Vex League at Aberdeen Middle School currently.”

When asked about colleges, Coach Blackwell stated that Stephen is looking at University of Pennsylvania, University of Delaware and UMBC. 

"Stephen's desire is to become a Chemical Engineer," Blackwell said.

When describing his son Stephen and his key to awesomeness, Coach Blackwell reflected on his own military training.

“Something I learned, I had to have—stick to it—and stay very focused,” James Blackwell IIIsaid. "This is something that has appeared to be passed down.”

Aberdeen will be looking forward to the continued accomplishments of this bright student.

 Great job Stephen!