Los Gatos Patch Whiz Kid of the Week—Brendan Nugent

Brendan Nugent, Age 16

School: Junior at

Accomplishments:

• Captain of Los Gatos badminton team
• Elected Drum Major for LGHS Marching Band 2012-13
• President of French Club
• Treasurer of Science Club
• Straight A student, Principal’s Scholar and Scholar of Distinction
• El Camino Hospital volunteer

According to proud parents Alison and Mike Nugent, Brendan lives by his own motto “Almost isn’t good enough.”

"He puts his heart into everything he does, sets really high goals for himself, and works hard to achieve them," Brendan's parents wrote in an email interview with Los Gatos Patch.

A straight A student, Brendan "is a proud band geek," and was thrilled to be selected as drum major for the coming year, his parents said.

Under his leadership, the Los Gatos badminton team has greatly improved its performance. Brendan and his partner qualified for CCS, bringing home the fourth-place trophy in the SCVAL division, his parents added.

"Brendan is very driven, but also incredibly compassionate," his parents noted.

One of his friends describes him as: “The most loyal and trustworthy friend I’ve ever had.”

"He thrives on taking care of people and helping them to solve their problems. He volunteers at a local hospital and recently shaved his head for the Saint Baldric’s fundraiser.

"In spite of his busy schedule, he makes sure to spend lots of quality time hanging out with his family, his friends, and his two adorable cats.

"Brendan wants to become a doctor, and his special brand of awesomeness, balancing his commitment to his personal goals with his empathy and concern for others, will make him a great one," they said.