Move over, Matt Lauer.

Naperville fifth-grader Jack Hennessy is proving he's got what it takes to be on TV as one of four finalists in the "Today" show's Kid Reporter contest.

"I like to talk to people a lot and I like to figure things out about what's happening in the world and what's going on," Jack said from New York Thursday.

The 10-year-old who attends Ss. Peter and Paul School entered the Kid Reporter contest at the urging of his aunt. He submitted a one-minute video report about his garden, and NBC chose it as one of 16 semifinalists from among thousands.

Viewers then had their say and put Jack in the final four. He has now made several appearances on the NBC morning show that stars Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Al Roker and Ann Curry.

"I was really happy and really excited because I couldn't believe I actually made it this far," Jack said.

His classmates at Ss. Peter and Paul are now asking for his autograph and joking they'd like to be his agent.

His mom Wendy said being a reporter is a natural fit.

"He's very outgoing, loves people, loves to talk and is very curious," she said. "It's always been in his nature."

On Friday, Jack will be interviewing actress Marcia Gay Harden and a group of children about a book that will benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital. The finalists' segments will air Monday morning on the "Today" show.

Viewers will again be able to cast their votes, and the top reporter will be announced live on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Even if the reporting gig doesn't end up working out, Jack has other talents up his sleeve including a green thumb. The garden in his video was a birthday gift from his grandparents in June. He spent the summer planting and learning how to take care of his vegetables including zucchini, pumpkins, peppers and tomatoes.

"My favorite thing about it is one day I would go out there and it would be normal," he said, "and the next day the plants would be two inches taller."