Whiz Kid: Former Clayton Student Bernstein a Finalist for Energizer Hall of Fame

Whiz Kid's Name and Age: Simone Bernstein, college freshman

Whiz Kid's School/Church/Community Center: St. Bonaventure University in New York (formerly of )

Whiz Kid's Accomplishments: Bernstein has been named a finalist for the 2011 Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame.

Whiz Kids' Key to Awesomeness: Bernstein, a Clayton High graduate, founded the website stlouisvolunteen.com, which pairs young people in St. Louis with volunteer opportunities. Now, she's been nominated to become an inductee in the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame. Until May 13, people may vote once a day for Bernstein by visiting Energizer's website. Winning would make her eligible to receive $10,000 and to give $5,000 to the charity of her choice.

Bernstein found out about a month ago that she had been nominated for the Hall of Fame. At that time, she was one of 100 semi-finalists. Then, two weeks ago, she learned that she had made the final 10. She said Friday that she was shocked and thankful about the nomination to the Hall of Fame, which she has promoted through her work on stlouisvolunteen.com. She had encouraged other people in St. Louis and nationally to apply for the Hall of Fame before being nominated.

On Monday, the Energizer Bunny and others visited her while she was volunteering as part of Bona Buddies, a St. Bonaventure-sponsored program in which college students work with underprivileged children ages 7 to 13 on science education through arts and crafts projects.

As part of her nomination to the finals, Bernstein received a check for $1,000. She said she'll use the money, along with an earlier $5,000 grant from the L'Oreal Women of Worth program, to give organizations free entry into the this weekend. The fair runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the in Kirkwood. Thirty-five organizations will participate this year, up from 25 in 2010. Members of the public get in for free by presenting a can of food to benefit Operation Food Search.

Bernstein said her goal and that of other young people working on the site is to expand its services to western New York and beyond.

She said she hopes the Energizer competition will help promote the importance of youth volunteerism.

"People appreciate your time, no matter how much you have to give," Bernstein said.