Eliot Nagele - Whiz Kid of the Week

• Eliot Nagele 
• 18-years-old
• 12th-grader at Lawrence High School
• Founded the annual “Can-O-Jam” benefit
• Working on his Eagle Scout project
• Co-founder of jazz-fusion band (KOWOP)

Eliot Nagele, 18, a senior at Lawrence High School, has been taking private piano lessons for 12 years. Through his lessons, he developed a passion for jazz music which he shared with a neighborhood youth jazz group at the (then) Lawrence Neighborhood Center for three years.

His love of music prompted him to found the "Can-O-Jam" benefit held at the Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church. This annual musical event raises money for disaster stricken areas. Last year they raised money for Haiti; this year’s event will benefit Japan.

Eliot is a member of the Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church and a seven-year member of the the church's Youth Group. He periodically plays the piano for church service and other events. He has also been a member of the Boy Scouts of America for eight years. His Eagle Scout project is pending final recognition.

At Lawrence High School Eliot is a two-year Tri-M Music Honors Society member, a peer leader, a four-year member of the jazz band, and has been on the varsity track team for three years.

In addition to his school and volunteer work, Eliot has been working at the Mountain View golf course for the past four years, and is also working at the Mercer County Park ice skating rink.

In his free time he enjoys music, hiking and fishing.

Eliot attributes his accomplishments to the many instrumental people in his life (family, church, community, and school) who introduced him to a variety of new experiences that allowed him to develop interests in music and nature. He has been accepted to several colleges and wishes to pursue a career in environmental studies/sciences, while at the same time continue to advance in his musical talents.