Hudson Patch Whiz Kid: Jake Hahr, 10

School: Midwest Center for Movement

Accomplishment: After training in Aikido at the Midwest Center for Movement for more than five years, Jake recently earned his red belt (junior assistant instructorship). What makes Jake's accomplishment even more impressive is that he was diagnosed with central hypotonia as a toddler. The condition results in reduced muscle strength and joint pain.

Key to Awesomeness: Persistence and hard work. Jake works hard at strengthening his Aikido skills each week, increasing his strength and balance. Jake's nominator also says that he is a confident leader at the Midwest Center for Movement.

Jake's strength and confidence aren't limited to the gym. Last summer, Jake made a heroic rescue of a four year old girl who made her way into deep water and was unable to swim—Jake sprang into action and pulled her back into shallow water, delivering her to her parents.

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Each week, Hudson Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to foleymo@patch.com. Be sure to include the nominator's name and email address, and the Whiz Kid's name, age, school, accomplishment, and key to awesomeness (what made him/her successful?). 

If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and either ask you to submit a photo, or assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, email foleymo@patch.com.