Nominator’s Name: Anonymous

Whiz Kid’s Name: Matthew Malley

Whiz Kid’s age: 9 (Matthew’s birthday is October 1st)

Whiz Kid’s School: F.A. Cleveland Elementary School

Whiz Kids Accomplishments: Matthew is a happy nine-year-old boy who recently entered the fourth grade at the Cleveland Elementary school. 

Acorrding to his mother Lucy, Matthew is a wonderful and caring older brother to his sisters Katie, 3, and Allison, 1.

When Matthew isn’t playing sports, he is either watching something sports-related on TV or reading about sports. He has been involved with Norwood Youth Soccer since he was four-year-old. He has played floor hockey on the Lightning since he was in kindergarten. This fall, Matthew decided he wanted try football and is currently playing flag football for the Ravens for Westwood Flag Football. 

While Matthew loves playing all sports, his true passion is baseball.  This past spring Matthew played for Pittsfield. Lucy said, "He had a great time playing all of the positions and he even pitched a few games." Matthew also plays baseball for RBI Baseball Academy.

Matthew likes school and is an avid reader, now reading books by Mike Lupica and Tim Greene. Matthew recently decided he wanted to learn to play the trumpet and will begin lessons at school next week. As with everything Matthew undertakes, he looking forward to learning another new skill and playing in the Cleveland spring concert.

Whiz Kids Key to Awesomeness (what makes him successful): When asked why her son is a Whiz Kid, Lucy said it is very simple: "Matthew has had some challenges in his life, but he always has a positive attitude and works hard to get better at everything he does.   This is why Matthew is such a Whiz Kid!"

In athletics, his RBI Academy coach Joe Breen said, "Matthew Malley embodies what all youth athletes should strive to be. He is passionate, coachable, respectful, and is second to none when it comes to trivia! Matthew plays the game of baseball because he loves it and that attitude carries over to all of his teammates and coaches!"

Matthew's third grade teacher, Mrs. Janet Palladino said, "When I think about Matthew Malley, I remember a very smart, athletic and determined boy. Matthew believes in himself and knows he can 
accomplish anything he puts his mind to."