This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Whiz Kid: Michael Scott Cooprider

Congratulations to Michael on all his accomplishments in the sport of hockey.

Name: Michael Scott Cooprider

 Age: 11

Organization: Southern Youth Travel Hockey League (SYTHL)

Find out what's happening in Kennesawwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Accomplishment: In 2008, Michael decided he wanted to learn how to ice skate so he could play hockey. He began taking skating lessons and progressed to the Cross Ice Program where he learned the basics of the sport. Through hard work and dedication, six months later he landed on his first house league team in the spring. He attended hockey camp in the summer of 2009 and that fall played on his first fall/winter house league team.

Michael was then chosen to play on the All Star Team, made up of two outstanding players from every team in the house league. It was a great honor for Michael to be chosen, especially in his first season. From there, Michael’s interest was piqued by the camaraderie of the traveling team. It was a big goal considering his lack of experience. (It is common among youth ice hockey players to start the sport by the age of 5 shortly after having traded in their toddler shoes for ice skates.) But Michael was determined. He attended a Travel Team Prep Clinic in May of 2010 and through perseverance and practice, earned a spot on a traveling team last summer.

Find out what's happening in Kennesawwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Michael has traveled to Nashville, Huntsville, Charleston, Indianapolis and Charlotte and has played at all of the ice rinks around Atlanta. He has worked hard this season to become a better player and says he has learned much from his coaches and teammates. Michael continues to take private skating lessons with , and private skills lessons with Justin Day at Stick Time.

Michael says he constantly strives to become a better player and hopes to make the traveling team again this year. He recognizes the sacrifices his parents make and attributes his success to the patience of caring adults. For his determination and accomplishments in the sport of hockey, Michael earns the title of this week's Kennesaw Patch Whiz Kid. Congratulations, Michael!

If you'd like to submit a nomination for our next Whiz Kid, e-mail the information to our editor at gaetana.pipia@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?)

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Kennesaw