Robert Lombardo (“R.J.”), 18
Land O’ Lakes High School, Senior
Accomplishment: After submitting his work for four years, R.J. won the celebrated "Best of Show" award at the Pasco County Fair in the Art Exhibit School Awards category this February.
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Advice for Other Teens: Be true to yourself and don’t let others dictate who you are. Don’t conform to cliques or stereotypes. I show people the real me and I’m not impressed by anyone who is fake or phony.
Who Helped Make You Successful? My classmates inspire me every day. I’ve been through the foster care system and am living with a friend now; it’s my peers who have really helped me grow academically and artistically.
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What Do You Like Best About School? I love art of class of course! I first discovered my talent in the seventh grade when I took my first real art class.
What Do You Like the Least? I’m not real big on schoolwork… I’m pretty laid back and if I had a choice, would rather focus my time and energy on my artistic side.
Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship?
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 Sherri.Lonon@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.