Whiz Kids: Jordan Ballew & Madeline Hill

Each week, Media Patch features individual kids, teens, youth groups, and sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments in the feature called Whiz Kid. We also want to hear suggestions on who you'd like to see featured as a Whiz Kid, so send some nominations our way. This week's Whiz Kid, or Kids for that matter, are two stand-out students who shine on Penncrest’s cheerleading team.

Name: Jordan Ballew

Age: 17

School/Team: Varsity Cheerleading

Accomplishments: Jordan, who has been involved in cheerleading since sixth grade, has excelled in tumbling, was named an All American by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), and has been on the varsity team all four years of high school. Jordan says her favorite part of cheerleading is the camaraderie. "What I like best is the team aspect. We all work together. You have to trust each other so much," she says.

Why she’s awesome: Even though Jordan practices cheerleading virtually all year long, she’s also an avid runner. She runs on Penncrest’s track team, has completed two marathons, as well as the Media 5 Mile Race. She and her mom have also traveled the country, tackling the Muddy Buddy challenges an impressive six times. In school, Jordan says she very much enjoys her publications class, and is interested in graphic design and journalism. She’s involved with Student Council activities, and also assists her principal who teaches classes at Cabrini College. Jordan manages to hold down a job too, working at Riddle Village retirement and health care community in Media.

Name: Madeline Hill

Age: 17

School/Team: Penncrest High School, Varsity Cheerleading

Accomplishments: Madeline, or Maddi, has been involved in cheerleading since the third grade. All of her years of practicing have certainly paid off, as she made it to the highly elite National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Fla. when she was a freshman. Maddi was named an All American as well, and accepted UCA’s offer to travel to London to perform in a special parade over Christmas with other talented cheerleaders.

Why she’s awesome: Maddi has been recognized by the National Honors Society her junior and senior years at Penncrest. Maddi is an animal lover, and while not practicing, enjoys her job at Family Pet Resort in Newtown Square. She also has two dogs at home. She says she will attend either East Carolina University or George Washington University for cheerleading, and after that hopes to become an instructor and mentor at a cheerleading camp.

(Media Patch recently featured Penncrest’s cheerleading team in a story about the Central League Cheerleading Championship.  to read more.)

Editor's note: Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local hockey team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.