Advertisement 'Outstanding' student honored during south Sacramento event Nick Tobin, 12, awarded for academic excellence Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Nick Tobin is not a typical 12-year-old boy.He's ranked in the top 2 percent of students nationwide and was even awarded for outstanding academic excellence by President Obama."Everyone's smart,” Nick said. “They just don't see it in themselves.”On Wednesday night, the Sacramento Kings Dancers showed up to a party in his honor as city council member Eric Guerra presented him a certificate of recognition."I try to be humble about it because not a lot of people can have this kind of experience," Nick said.Nick has made straight As since first grade. He was given the option to skip two grades, but Nick decided he didn't want to miss the experience of spending 7th grade with his friends.He's from the Florin Road area, which is considered a disadvantaged neighborhood.The party aimed to recognize Nick, as well as was finding the next another high achieving student."In certain areas, they have no mentorship as far as to encourage them that they can be that next doctor, they can be that next lawyer,” Bridge Network board member, Chris Baker said. “When they get here, we show them that.”At the Elmo Avenue Slider Community Center, they're working to break barriers so more diamonds in the rough can shine bright.Nick gave some advice to other kids.“As long as they don't give up and try hard and just never stop looking at their dreams, and just keep going, keep pushing," he said.Nick said he wants to be a pediatrician so he can help those in need.The community center is funded by private donations. Its hours of operation change based on the funding they receive.