Whiz Kid: Milan Pavlic

Each week, Athens Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments.

Name: Milan Edward Pavlic

Age: 14

Grade: 9th

School: Clarke Central High School

Accomplishments: The first questions that Milan Edward Pavlic’s paternal grandfather, Ed Pavlic, asks at every family visit concern Milan’s career aspirations. What does he intend to do?

Clearly influenced by his namesake, Milan said, “My grandfather is constantly asking me questions and challenging me.” Traveling to Croatia to visit family was the highlight of Milan’s summer. “We go there every five years,” explained Milan. Curious about Milan’s answer to his grandfather’s questions?

Influenced by a PBS documentary on genetics, Milan has wanted to be a geneticist for years. He even has his eye on the genetics program at Johns Hopkins, conveniently located only ten miles from his maternal grandparents.

Milan moved to Athens a few years ago with his family from Schenectady, New York. The oldest child of Ed Pavlic and Stacey Barnum, Milan has a sister, Suncana, and a brother, Mzee. Ed Pavlic is the second of three Edward Pavlics and a professor of English at the University of Georgia. Stacy Barnum serves as the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for the University of Georgia’s Center for Family Research.

This (CCHS) freshman attended  and fondly spoke of teacher Abby Brink as well as the fifth grade Skidaway trip. Milan ran track while attending (CMS) and hopes to play basketball this year at Clarke Central. His three years at CMS were hugely influenced by stellar teachers such as Steve Sacco (history), Janet Wilkins (math), and Meghan McNeeley (english language arts). Milan’s favorite academic subject is history and particularly the study of geography.

At his new school, Harry Cooper’s AP American Government class has already made an impression on Milan even though the school year is only a few weeks old. Historical fiction is this 14-year-old's favorite genre. He recommends any book by John Steinbeck. Milan is also fond of mysteries, especially ones by Dashiell Hammett.

Playing piano since the age of six, Milan is a captivating musician who shows a love for music through his enthusiastic performances. Milan particularly likes playing jazz pieces and enjoys the work of Eric Satie. Milan enjoys mastering Satie's compositions because he grew up with his father Ed playing recordings of Satie's music.

An annual Athens event that Milan looks forward to is the bike race downtown, where he might grab a burger from . biscuit with bacon is Milan's favored breakfast when out and about on the weekends in the Classic City.

Key to Awesomeness: If you're lucky enough to hear this Whiz Kid play the piano, you'll never forget the experience. Milan throws his entire being into his performances and I've always broken into a smile while watching him play. With his genuine curiousity and openness for new experiences, Milan is destined for great success!

We want to hear about amazing youth in Athens and select one each week as the Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to rebecca.mccarthy@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's E-Mail
• Whiz Kid's Name
• Whiz Kid's Age
• Whiz Kid's School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
• Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (What makes him/her successful? Please include a 150-word description)