Oakdale Patch Whiz Kid: Michael Finch

Oakdale Patch Whiz Kid: Michael Finch, 11th Grade

School:

Key to Awesomeness: Since Michael Finch decided earlier this year school year that he wanted to become a politician someday, he’s been focused like a laser on achieving his goal. He’s gotten himself on the student council for next year, signed up for classes in subjects like debate and journalism, and spent a week at the Minnesota Capitol in April working as a page for the Minnesota House of Representatives—an experience he describes as “life changing.” As a page, Finch spent long days at the Capitol, acting as a runner for House members and taking in lots of meetings and speeches. Finch said he was initially inspired to consider a career in politics by the Kennedy men.

“They’re my political and professional and personal heroes,” he said, “just what they believe in, what they fight for, healthcare, equality, in their speeches they talk about just always making a change for the better and never giving up.”

Finch, who has Asperger’s syndrome, said he’s been teased and misunderstood his whole life, and that gives him a little extra drive to prove detractors wrong and be successful.

He’s not sure what office he wants to seek yet—he said he’d be happy being a mayor, the president of the United States or anything in-between. But he is sure his desire to enter the world of politics is more than a phase, he said.

“It wasn’t just a cool thought that I had for a week,” he said. “It turned out to be something that I really wanted to do.”

Each week, Oakdale Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Oakdale Patch Whiz Kid.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to patty.busse@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. For questions, e-mail patty.busse@patch.com.