Student Seeks to Increase Education in Younger Generations

Though the walls of the teens today may be plastered with posters of Gaga and jerseys of Tim Lincecum, those who will make the lasting impact on our youth are at the whiteboard.

Teachers, with humble hearts and patient tempers, launch children into an exciting world of education and learning that cannot be equated with Britney Spears' new single.

At only 17 years old, Peter Warrick of Redwood City hopes to create a lasting wonderment for our youth by sharing his knowledge as a teacher.

“I really want to get information from every level and pass it down to younger members so they can see that they have so many opportunities,” Warrick said.

Warrick was selected from 200 applicants to attend a national 4-H conference in Washington DC in April as representative of his community.

“I was really surprised I was selected, but it was a whole lot of fun,” he said.

The Carlmont High School senior said that he gained major leadership and public speaking skills while at the conference that he hopes to pass down to younger generations.

“I love to pass down information because I think it’s important to have it available to everyone,” he said.

While at the conference, Warrick met representative Jackie Speier and spoke to her about the benefits of 4-H.

“I think 4-H and Scouts have increased my leadership and communication skills dramatically,” Warrick said. “It’s really important that younger members develop public speaking skills. I feel like I’ve gotten them to be more comfortable in their voices.”

As a state ambassador to 4-H Warrick must utilize these skills to represent California, and organize the 4-H state conference. Such responsibility at such a young age has produced a mature attitude toward community service and humanity.

“It’s introduced me to a lot of different people and ways of living,” Warrick said of the conference.

Warrick has been able to take on several different projects while at 4-H, one of his favorites being his time raising a goat he named Latte.

“Those two years taught me a lot of responsibility,” he said.

The wide range of activities 4-H offers, from lessons of astronomy to knitting, captured Warricks attention and led him to become a leader of the organization. The club has more than 30 activities but is pushing to create a foundation of science and technology, Warrick said.

Though Warrick seems to be concentrated only on the success of others, others have seen special qualities in him from a young age.

“I knew this about him when he was in second grade,” said Warrick’s second grade teacher at , Darcy Anderson. “This boy stands out of the crowd.”

Anderson, who nominated Warrick for Whiz Kid of the Weeks, said that when friends asked for a recommendation for a tutor she thought of Warrick’s patience and dedication to the education of young people.

“He’s an amazing you man, the sweetest, and very humble,” Anderson said.

When Warrick was in junior high he took part in a gardening project at his school, but even after he went on to high school he maintained a loyalty to the community project.

“He had a love for the garden and a love to help students learn about the garden,” Anderson said.

With all of his talents, Warrick encourages young students to pursue all opportunities.

“I would encourage others to explore anything that interests them, whether it’s community organizations or not,” he said.

As Warrick continues his journey of infinite learning, from livestock to public policy, he maintains the same goal.

“I want to teach what I’ve been able to learn,” he said. “I want to pass on knowledge.”