When did you start building with K'NEX?
When I was 4 years old and Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Pat gave me the Dinosaurs 20 Model Building Kit for my birthday! Then I got a tub of k'nex pieces and I started building all the time. My dad helped me build my first roller coaster (a Christmas present from Mimi) when I was 5.
How did you come up with the idea for your winning model?
I built the Motorized Madness Ball Machine. It was my first kit ever that was for kids 9+. After I built it, I wanted to make a ghost track where the track just all of a sudden disappeared so the ball would drop down to the next level. So I made a different ball machine that had a "ghost track".
What has been your most challenging K'NEX creation?
The 2004 piece Motorized Madness Ball machine is the hardest kit I have made. I had to have a lot of patience so I didn't make a mistake. The hardest thing I have ever built on my own is a highway track that I am making now.
Do you have a favorite past K'NEXpert? If so, who?
I really like the 2012 K'nexpert, Josef. He built Bowser's Castle. I love Mario Bros and Josef built a castle that looks REAL!
How many siblings do you have? What are their age(s) and gender(s)?
I have one brother named Judah who is 18 months old.
Do they build with K'NEX too? Do you build models together?
No, he is too little, but I can't wait to teach him to build with K'NEX when he is older. I like to build models with my mom and dad.
What are your favorite hobbies (besides building with K'NEX)?
I like to read books, play soccer, and play Mario Bros, and I am on the Jr. First Lego League at my school. I am a FIRST robotics team mascot for a high school team that my dad works with.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Math is my favorite.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a super K'NEXpert that builds models as big as houses.
What is the coolest part about being a 2012 K'NEXpert?
All last year I would go to the K'NEX web site and look at all the 2011 K'NEXperts. I can't believe I am a K'NEXpert now! I am excited to get invited to visit the K'NEX factory!
What advice do you have for other kids who want to be K'NEXperts?
I would tell them to practice building the kits and then use their imagination and try out different pieces to make other models and to ask their parents for help if they get stuck.
