Faces

Arlington, Mass., home-schooler Reid Barton last month became the first person ever to win gold medals four years running at the International Mathematical Olympiad. Competing in Washington, D.C., against 500 students from over 80 countries, Mr. Barton, 17, set the individual record after leading his United States team to a second-place tie with Russia. After unsuccessfully begging city officials to clean up the crack house next door to his home, Detroit father of two John George took action. Armed with plywood and paint, he remodeled the home as neighbors watched and began helping. Layers of plywood nailed to doors and windows kept dealers out of the home during the effort. The project marked the inception of the Motor City Blight Busters, Inc.-a coalition of over 3,000 volunteers who sponsor renovation projects. Last year, Blight Busters built 50 new homes in lower-income neighborhoods.