Whiz Kid: Alexys Smith

Name: Alexys Smith

Age: 12

School:

Whiz Kid Accomplishments: A sixth-grader, Lexi has been accepted to attend a law program for students with visual impairments in Washington D.C. She is one of only 24 kids chosen from across the country to attend the April event. While there, she will tour the Capitol building and the White House.

Whiz Kid Key to Awesomeness: Born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, a condition where the optic nerves didn’t fully form, Lexi has been blind in both eyes since birth. Heather Williams, Lexi’s mom, said her daughter never let her condition stop her from living life to the fullest.

Williams said the outgoing 12-year-old – who is the big sister to two younger siblings -- loves school. She also always is open to trying new things.

“She’s a pretty good kid,” Williams said.

After learning about the law program through the National Federation of the Blind, Lexi was one of 70 others who applied for the program. Of those, 24 were accepted, according to Williams.

Accompanied by her grandmother, Lexi will spend five days in D.C. While there, Williams said, Lexi will learn about more than just the inner-workings of the nation’s capital.

“They will teach her different ways to advocate for herself,” Williams said.