Whiz Kid: Louis Zulaica of Pacific West Christian Academy

Whiz Kids features remarkable kids from the community who have excelled in sports, academics, creativity, community involvement, innovation, sports, drama and more. Patch is always looking for the next star pupil to feature, so if you have someone in mind, let us know, and your student, child, friend or acquaintance could be Patch's next whiz kid!

Whiz Kid: Louis Zulaica, age 7-and-a-half

School: Zulaica is in 2nd grade at Pacific West Christian Academy

Accomplishments:

• Plays an array of different sports, including flag football, basketball, baseball, soccer and golf.
• Won 1st Place in the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Team Competition for the 6-to-7-year-old age category. Zulaica participated in the competition with more than 100 youths in Gilroy. He placed 1st in the sectional championship in Pacific Grove on October 15, which qualified him for the 49ers NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competition in Daly City. The team competition began early in the morning on Sunday, December 4, prior to the 49ers/Ram game. Guy McIntyre, former San Francisco 49er, attended the event, signed photo cards and gave an inspirational talk to the participants and parents about excelling in sports and the importance of academics. Louis took first place in the event in his age bracket. Each participant was recognized at the half-time demonstration during the game and then Louis, along with the other first-place winners, was presented with a winning ball trophy in the third quarter of the game. Go Niners and go Gilroy!
• Placed in the top 5 during the 4th Annual Gilroy Elks National Soccer Shoot-out in 2011.
• Took 5th place in the regional spelling bee.
• Received awards for accountability and consistency for the 2011–2012 school year.
• Performed as a dalmatian in the musical, "101 Dalmatians Kids."

Key to Awesomeness: "My dad’s help in sports and practicing with me. And my focus on God. I stay motivated by practicing everyday. If I were to give advice to others, I'd tell them to keep trying and get rest."