Whiz Kid: Payton Dunn, 7 Payton’s School: The Trinity School Payton’s Accomplishment: Payton, of Cartersville, placed first in the 2011 Magnolia Open Ice Skating Competition on March 13. Payton’s Key to Awesomeness: “Payton skated to Green Eggs and Ham in the compulsory event at the Basic 4 level,” said her mom, Christy. “Payton also placed second in the Magnolia Open in the Basic 4 Elements event. “Payton started skating in August of 2010 and has recently passed Basic 6 level. "Payton is a second-grade, honor roll student at The Trinity School in Cartersville, and is a very active member of …

Deagan Walden, 2 Deagan’s Daycare: Brightview Academy Deagan’s Recent Accomplishment: He learned to climb the ladder and go down the slide by himself on his playground. Deagan’s Key to Awesomeness: Deagan Walden is the son of Cartersville residents Bobby and Elizabeth Walden and older brother to 7-month-old Vance. “Deagan is very energetic, he loves to be outside playing on his playground, riding on his power wheels 4-wheeler or drawing with chalk on the driveway,” said his mother, Elizabeth. “Deagan is a very creative little boy, he brings me home a picture that he's colored or finger …

Whiz Kid: Emma Claire Wells, 21 months Emma's Accomplishment: “Talking!!!! She loves to talk and sing!! She's my American Idol!! She loves to sing her ABC's and Old McDonald!" said her mother, Casey. “Hey, for 21 months, that’s not bad!!” Emma's Key to Awesomeness: “She is not currently enrolled in any learning programs but we try to teach her everything,” said Casey. “She has been very fortunate to be able to spend all of her time with family who really care about her and put every bit of their time and efforts into loving and teaching her. “Emma is a very opinionated and a smart little girl…

Whiz Kid: Elijah Morris, 3 Elijah’s Learning Program: MOPS Elijah's Accomplishment: “Elijah has recently learned to climb the tree in our front yard!” said his mother, Rebecca Morris. “The first time he was able to do it he looked at me and said, ‘You think I'm 6 years old, but I'm only 3!’ He was so proud of himself.” Elijah's Key to Awesomeness: Elijah is the son of Cartersville residents Wesley and Rebecca Morris. “Elijah is the encourager of our family. He always has a compliment for someone!” said his mother. “He loves to play cowboys, hunting and ride his scooter. He has a big sister, …

Whiz Kid: Lilly Kate McSwain, 8 months Lilly Kate's Accomplishment: “Her most recent accomplishment is 'cruising' where she pulls up on anything she can get her hands on and walks around it. It is adorable,” said Randi Winn McSwain, Lilly Kate’s proud momma. Lilly Kate's Key to Awesomeness: Lilly Kate McSwain was born Aug. 18, 2010, at 4:47 p.m. to Chris and Randi Winn McSwain. She is 8 months old, weighs 15 pounds and is 29 inches long. Lilly Kate attends Rowland Springs Baptist Church with her parents, friends and many members of her extended family. “She has recently gotten two bottom …

Whiz Kids: David Thomas and Darci Michele Sutton, 2 David and Darci’s Pre-K Program: Mops & Moppettes David and Darci's Accomplishment: “They have just recently learned all of their shapes, colors, ABCs and can count to 10,” said their mom, Kim Sutton. They’re also learning some new Bible stories. David and Darci's Key to Awesomeness: David and Darci are the children of Phillip and Kim Sutton. The twins are surrounded by close family and friends who are always eager to spend time with them. “Darci is the dominant, outgoing one who never stops talking and always making us laugh,” said Kim. “…

Whiz Kid: Peyton Ray, 7 Peyton’s School: Cloverleaf Elementary School Peyton's Accomplishment: Peyton has recently lost 3 teeth! Peyton's Key to Awesomeness: “Peyton is the most fun-loving and energetic kid!” said his mom Jennifer. “He loves to duck hunt, swim, and play in his tree house with all his friends. And he loves to play with Legos.” Peyton is the son of Cartersville residents, Jeremy and Jennifer Ray. He is a member of Rowland Springs Baptist Church and attends Mrs. Goode’s first grade class at Cloverleaf Elementary School. 

Whiz Kid: Colton James Hersey, 2 Colton's Accomplishment: Colton has learned a lot lately! He’s learning to say names very well like “Mommy,” “Daddy,” “puppy,” “thank you” and “I love you.” He’s also had a growth spurt and is tall enough to open doors by himself, which has led to all sorts of adventures. Colton's Key to Awesomeness: Colton spends a lot of time with his daddy, Chaz Hersey, and his grandparents, Terry and Cindy Thornton. His mother, Mindy Hersey, is currently on a six-month deployment with the Navy on a ship scheduled to return home at the end of May. Colton gets to speak to …

Whiz Kid: Naomi J. Thompson, 3 Naomi’s Pre-K Program: Mops (Moppettes) Naomi's Accomplishment: “She has recently taken an interest in the United States and can name the states of residence for her extended family members as well as the good old state of Georgia! She is on a mission to find a person she knows in EVERY state!” said Naomi’s mom, Katy Thompson. Naomi's Key to Awesomeness:  “Naomi is very imaginative! She currently has two imaginary friends who visit on a regular basis. She loves to cook and have tea parties with her younger sister and many of her stuffed animals. Naomi also loves…

 Whiz Kid: Abigail Maryfield, 13  Abigail’s School: Cass Middle School  Abigail's Accomplishment: Abigail’s persistence and dedication to her academics and hobbies are paving the way for a bright future.   Abigail’s Key to Awesomeness: The daughter of Cartersville residents Olivia and Tim Stallings, Abigail Maryfield is successful because she sets goals and works as hard as it takes to achieve those goals.   She tried out for the school tennis team all three years of middle school, finally making it on the third year. She knew she wanted something and didn't give up after being turned down …

 Whiz Kid: Cami Carlisle, 17  Cami’s School: Excel Christian Academy  Cami's Accomplishment: Cami has made Honor Role every year since second grade.    Cami's Key to Awesomeness: Cartersville native, Cami Carlisle is the daughter of Randy and Theresa Carlisle. A  junior at Excel Christian Academy, Cami takes her work at school seriously and has maintained honor roll status since second grade. Both her freshman and sophomore years, she was awarded what her family considers the best award at school, The Christian Character Award. She lettered in her favorite sport, softball, but a knee injury …

Whiz Kid: Samantha Dover, 13 School: South Central Middle School Accomplishment: Samantha Dover earned Equestrian Grand Champion status. Key to Awesomeness: Cartersville native, Samantha Dover is the daughter of Jeff and Charla Dover and little sister to Mackenzie. In addition to being a dedicated student at South Central Middle School, Samantha is a girl who knows what she loves and that’s horseback riding. Samantha’s horse, Spice Girl, is a Quarter Horse registered under the name Master Ole Sweetie. Samantha has owned three horses since she was 10 and ridden in local shows for the last two …

Whiz Kid: Daniel Nally, 15 Daniel’s School: Cartersville High School Daniel's Accomplishment: Daniel recently made the Beta Club and the junior varsity baseball team in the same week. Daniel's Key to Awesomeness: Daniel Nally, son of Ronny and Tony Nally, has a wide variety of interests and activities that keep him busy. He is a very active member of Rowland Springs Baptist Church’s youth group, is participating in the Cartersville/Bartow County Youth Leadership Program,and enjoys occasionally directing his church service’s sound system on Sunday mornings. He has also participated in SPLASH …

Whiz Kid: Luke Simpson, 7 Luke's School: Cloverleaf Elementary Luke's Accomplishment: Luke set a goal to pass all of his vocabulary tests and he has passed them all with an A+! Luke's Key to Awesomeness: Luke makes sure to study hard when he knows he has a test coming up, with help from his mother, Paula Simpson, and his dad, Mark Simpson. He has two older siblings: sister, Danielle, and brother, Matt. Luke looks up to them very much and wants to excel in school like them. He takes plenty of time to kick back and play, something he’s very good at. He participates in soccer and baseball, and …