Tessa Guthrie: Tucker Whiz Kid

Whiz Kid's Name: Tessa Guthrie

Whiz Kid's Age: You don't ask a young lady her age...

Whiz Kid's School: Fifth Grader at Evansdale Elementary

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Tessa Guthrie placed 7th in the district spelling bee recently and now moves on to the upcoming regional competition. But she is more than a spelling champion. She doesn't like to boast, but she gets very excited when you mention being “green.” Her environmentally-conscious activities resulted in her being chosen as the lead spokesperson for the school’s “Green Team” video.

Our Whiz Kid agreed to a quick interview with Patch:  

Q: First of all, I want to congratulate you on your second Spelling Bee win. How do you prepare for these events?

A: We get a spelling list each year and I study the words.  And I read a lot.

Q: We hear that you are one of the school’s “Environmental Heroes.”  What did you do to obtain that title?

A: I walk to school every day.  I volunteer for clean-up days and pick up litter or help spread mulch on the grounds. My dad and I work in the school gardens; we’re growing lettuce. I always turn off the lights when I leave my room, and I turn off the water when I brush my teeth.  I use both sides of paper before I recycle it. I recycle a lot!

Q: Why should kids recycle?

A: They need to do their part to help the environment so that they can have a better world when they grow up.

Q: How can other kids start being Green?

A: When they are cleaning out their desks and binders, they can recycle their paper instead of throwing it in the trash. They can use reusable lunch and food containers instead of paper bags and Zip-loc bags. They can use reusable containers for their drinks, like metal ones, instead of juice boxes.

Q: Those are great ideas! Tell me, can you spell “compost”?

A: That’s too easy.

Q: Okay, can you spell Dachshund?

A: Yes. D-A-C-H...S-H-U-N-D.