VILLAS – How many 4-year-olds do you know? Now, consider how many of those 4-year-olds (or 14-year-olds for that matter) can explain what is an astrophysicist? How about quantum mechanics?
Parents Deannea Harris and Joseph Donnelly of Villas have been wondering about these and other indicators that their 11-year-old son, Joseph H. Donnelly, may possess some special gifts.
It all began when young Donnelly was tested at Charles W. Sandman Consolidated School to evaluate his school academic performance and intelligence including a neurological test. The results indicated that Donnelly scored 141 on the intelligence assessment portion which placed him within the top 1 percent of his peers.
Donnelly has always been especially bright; besides his goal to become an astrophysicist, he also aspired to qualify and join Mensa International, his mother said.
According to the Mensa website, “Mensa, the high IQ society, provides a forum for intellectual exchange among its members. There are members in more than 100 countries around the world…The society welcomes people from every walk of life whose IQ is in the top 2 percent of the population, with the objective of enjoying each other’s company and participating in a wide range of social and cultural activities.”
Members network through lectures, discussions, and local group meetings that allow them to explore the opinions and attitudes of other members who seek interactions with members locally and around the world.
“There are over 120,000 Mensans in 100 countries throughout the world. There are active Mensa organizations in more than 40 countries on every continent except Antarctica,” the website states.
Donnelly received his membership to Mensa as a Christmas gift this past December, but his mother pointed out that “Joey is a well-rounded kid,” who plays baseball, excels in Boy Scouts and oh, by the way, plays the cello.
Donnelly’s 15-year-old sister Jolene has been supportive of her brother by teaching him at home on a regular basis.
Mom and dad have no plans to move Joey into higher grades right now. “He is where he should be” as a sixth grader, said Harris.
In 10 or 12 years it’s possible the world may hear more from Donnelly as he explores the cosmos and its mysteries for the next generation.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.
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