Coastside Whiz Kid: This Week's Outstanding Young Person

Name: Eleanor Brown

Town: Montara

Age: 15

Schools: Farallone View Elementary, Cunha Intermediate, Half Moon Bay High

Church: St. Peter Catholic Church, Pacifica

Favorite subjects and why: “Biology because I am fascinated by the human body and how it works.”

Least favorite subjects and why: “Spanish because I just don’t ‘get it'.”

Awards/school grades: “I have received various basketball awards. I played on CYO and Cunha teams. I can run a 5:23-6:00 minute mile. I got a presidential award in P.E. I also got a leadership award for role of secretary in Leadership in 8th grade. I do well in school and get A’s and B’s.

“My greatest accomplishments have been in Irish dancing. I have been dancing since I was 4 years old. My greatest achievement was in November 2010 when I came in 19th in the North American Championships. The top 17 dancers qualified for World Championships so I just missed qualifying for Worlds by two places. Instead of being disappointed, I was so excited to be closer to my goal.”

Sports: “I have tried all sorts of sports, and I enjoy basketball and running, but I love Irish dancing! I spend so much time dancing that I do not have time for any other sports. Some people think dancing is not a sport, but it is high impact and aerobic exercise. We spend a lot of time at the beginning of each class on conditioning and increasing stamina. I think that is why I am really flexible and a good runner.”

After-school activities: “Irish dance takes up all my time. I dance four to five days a week. I also play the fiddle and enjoy “Sean Nos” dancing. I have made amazing friends through dancing, from my dance class and competition.”

Your key to awesomeness:  “As long as I love whatever I am doing, I throw myself into it and give it all my energy. When you are passionate about something, it is easy and not at all like hard work. I also have a great family supporting me.”

Something your parents make you do that you don't like doing: “Laundry and putting out the recycling. I really dislike laundry.”

Something you want to share: “I love my parents and really appreciate all that they have done and do for me. They always support my sisters and I, in all that we do. My dance classes and traveling to competitions take up a lot of time and money, but they are always there for me, cheering me on.”

Motto you live by: “Anything and everything is possible! I remember a few years ago watching the championship dancers and thinking I would love to be one of them. I did not think I would ever make it that far, and now I am a National Champion, and hopefully one day will be a World Champion.”