Ben Doyle

When talking about science experiments, Ben Doyle comes alive with excitement,"I like to do Chemistry experiments, especially if it goes, 'Boom!'"related the sixth grader from Washington Township. Ben is an honor student at North Washington Elementary who is setting a fine example of doing the best at whatever you decide to do.

Though science is a serious contender, Ben's first love is sports. Playing his favorite sport of baseball from early spring until the end of fall, he has acquired several starting positions. He plays first base, pitcher, catcher, and second base for two different leagues, the Bronco League of Buffalo Township and a Kiski tournament team. In addition, he enjoys taking handoffs and catching passes for his flag football YMCA team. For a winter sport, Ben plays basketball for the Kiski Jr. Cavs League. "I like sports a lot. I gain a sense of cooperation," Ben said.

Because he is a responsible, hard-working student, Ben has earned the respect of his peers. His fellow sixth graders elected him as a student representative for the student council. He was also elected last year as one of the two school representatives for the telethon committee. Along with his regular schoolwork, Ben completes various challenge assignments as a member of the gifted program. His teacher, Mr. Chad Hepler, described Ben as a wonderful hardworking student who gets along well with others and likes to have fun.

His avid interest in science combined with his inquisitive mind could possibly turn Ben into the next Ben Franklin. He hopes to someday invent a way to light fireworks with solar power and then take pictures when they explode. He explained, "I'm combining my liking of solar power with being a photographer."

Nurturing that simmering curiosity is Ben's mother, Debbie Doyle, through a science club that meets one Friday a month after school. Founded by his mom and second grade teacher, Kathy Shirey, the club brings in hands-on experiments for the kids to enjoy and to spark their interest in science. When Ben was very young, his mom started a science club for his older siblings in elementary school, so he has helped Mom do many "test" experiments. Ben's favorite science activity was a live reptile demonstration with numerous specimens ranging from a tarantula to a boa constrictor. He exclaimed, "You got to touch most everything except the copperhead and the rattlesnake. My mom and Mrs. Shirey put the boa around their shoulders!" He also enjoys the experiments when the Carnegie Science Center visits their club.

Ben is the youngest son of John and Debbie Doyle, with two sisters, Kelly and Elissa and two brothers, Jim and John. Though he dreams of playing professional baseball someday, at this point he's content collecting baseball cards and taking care of his new Golden Retriever puppy, Rover Dangerfield, and two cats, Nittany and Soda.

With his experience as a student representative, his example of academic excellence, and his bright amiable personality, Ben is sure to be a future leader in his community. For now he's succeeding in putting his best foot forward in all of his endeavors.