Carrillo Student Revels in Reptiles

Eight-year-old Delano has quite a few stories to tell about his outdoor explorations.

“I love to catch lizards,” says the soon-to-be third grader at .  “The alligator ones are really cool.  They have short legs and kind of move like a snake!”

Turns out, my interview with Delano couldn’t have come at a better time.  We had an unwanted “house guest” in our entry way a week ago, who decided to make himself right at home.  I snapped a picture and shared it with this little lizard lover.

“Yep, that’s an alligator one," said Delano.  "They’ll bite you!”  Good thing I showed that slithery guy the door.

Delano has spent many days this summer searching for lizards and even frogs in a park near his home.  He’s proud to say he catches them bare-handed, even if they do get a bit feisty.  

When Delano’s not on one of his great adventures, he’s doing one of his favorite sports such as soccer, baseball and swimming.

“I’m very proud of him,” said Teresa, Delano’s mother.  “He’s the type of player who is very coachable and listens well.”

Delano also has a passion for crunching numbers and loves math.  Teresa says that’s especially true when it comes to counting dollar bills.

“His motto is ‘show me the money’.”

So what’s Delano’s key to awesomeness?

“I think I’m good at math, sports and catching lizards because I practice and don’t give up!"