Los Gatos Patch Whiz Kid of the Week—Jared Keffer

Jared Keffer, age 16

School: Junior at Los Gatos High School

Accomplishments: 

• Developed the Los Gatos High School Astronomy Club as a freshman, and is serving as its president for a third year.
• Member of the Philosophy Club (since freshman year) and the Science Club (since sophomore year).
• Competed in the 2011 Science Olympiad.
• LGHS World Language Award in Japanese, 2010.
• Director’s Award for Symphonic Band, 2009 (bassoon).
• Outstanding Ensemble Member Award for Fisher Middle School Concert Band, 2008 (bassoon).
• Northern California Honor Band, 2009 (bassoon).
• Santa Clara County Honor Band, 2011 (bassoon).
• Gold Medals/Superior ratings at the State of California CMEA Solo and Ensemble Festivals 2009, 2010, 2011 (bassoon).
• Command Performance rating at the Santa Clara County CMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival 2010 (bassoon).
• Superior ratings at the Santa Clara County CMEA Solo and Ensemble Festivals 2009, 2011 (bassoon).
• Marching Band LGHS, 2009, 2010 and 2011 (tenor saxophone).
• Marching Band at Fisher Middle School 2007 (clarinet) and 2008 (Drum Major).
• Jazz Band at LGHS freshman and sophomore years (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone).
• Jazz Band at Fisher Middle School, seventh and eighth grades (tenor saxophone).
• Counselor for Wild Things at Walden West, summer of 2010.
• Cross Country at Fisher Middle School, eighth grade.
• School musicals fourth, fifth and sixth grades.
• Gifted program at Daves Avenue School.

Hobbies: Jared has two main passions, astronomy and music. He's also creating improvisational music on the piano and the keyboard.

Key to Awesomeness:  “No matter what you do and how you do it, awesome is how you define it. Don’t let anyone else’s definition of awesome get in your way from achieving what you want to achieve with your life," said Jared when asked what has helped him become successful in his life.