Nine year old Devin Sideleau is looking forward to the awards dinner tonight at the Aquaturf. He will be accepting his award for Leadership in the Arts along with the other winner, Whiz Kid Jennie Wool.

 Devin won his award for music. “I started playing the piano when I was six,” he said. “My parents used to have to ask me to practice, but they don't anymore. Now that I have gotten good at it, I practice about an hour a day. Sometimes I play longer than I need to.”

 Devin found out he had won the award when his teacher, Mrs. DuBois, took him aside and told him he was in first place. “This award comes with leadership responsibilities," he said, "and I will be telling a lot of people to learn to play the piano,” he said.

 Besides playing the piano, Devin has many other interests as well. “I like science and reading and writing, and I play in the baseball minors.” Devin loves that the team keeps score and has a World Series. “When I grow up I want to be a baseball player or a musician,” he said.

 Devin's favorite book is currently "Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King" by William Joyce and Laura Geringer.  He has just finished reading it in book form, though he enjoys reading books and Kindles equally.

 Devin's parents, Tara and David, have lived in Bethel for 11 years. “Its a special town, the school is so special, and has improved dramatically over the last few years.”

 Perhaps some of that musical talent comes from Tara's side of the family.  She has been singing all of her life, and now sings with the Bethel United Methodist Choir. 

 The Sideleau family enjoys a lot of hiking and is carrying on a family tradition. When Tara was growing up her family went hiking together as a family. “We used to sing in the woods. We always had our best conversations in the woods. I took Devin to the Audubon and he started skipping, and said, 'C'Mon mom, lets skip and sing.' He's a natural performer, he sings and dances,” Tara said.

 Devin talked about his plans for the future. “When I grow up I want to be a baseball player or a musician. I 'm good at the piano and everybody likes when I play.”

When you catch a glimpse of Devin's adorabley earnest face, you will know why.  To hear a sample of Devin's playing, check out the video in the gallery. Best of luck, Devin! Keep up the great work!