Whiz Kids: Teen Volunteers at the RICH House

Amazing kids are doing amazing things at the R.I.C.H. House (Resources in Community Hope) in Sulphur Springs.

Also known as the Weed and Seed House, the R.I.C.H. House provides neighborhood children a positive alternative to hanging out in the streets.

Tampa Police Officer Debbie Boles manages the R.I.C.H. House and works to recruit teens to mentor the younger children. She recently nominated several of the volunteers as Patch's Whiz Kids of the Week.

Boles said these teens come to the center after school to tutor younger children and playing learning games with them. Each of these Whiz Kids have kept up their good grades while spending time benefiting others, she said.

Patch asked these amazing volunteers what they most liked about helping at the R.I.C.H. House and here's what they had to say:

Anquavia Torres, 16, Chamberlain High School

"I'm helping out my community. Some kids here don't get attention at home or school, and they come here and you can help them."

Treneshia Williams, 16, Chamberlain High School

"I like the kids. They get excited when you walk through the door. It makes you feel like a better person."

Maria Carlyle, 17, Chamberlain High School

"I like to see the kids have fun with each other rather than be violent with each other."

Denyce Russell, 16, Chamberlain High School

"What I like about volunteering is to be able to be myself with the children — I can act like a little kid. I mostly like the singing games and seeing the kids laugh."

Michael Kelley, 18, Bowers Whitley Career Center

"I like being able to interact with the kids and being myself and making sure they're doing what they're supposed to be doing.

Each week, Seminole Heights Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual  kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  Nominate yours .