Willowbrook names November recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Leslie Avila Torres (pictured at left, with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause) has been named as Willowbrook’s November recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her highly improved performance.

Avila Torres, a senior, was recognized during the Nov. 14 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch Avila Torres’ 88’s Best presentation, click on the video above.

The transition to high school can be challenging, but often provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their true skills, talents, passion and commitment. Avila Torres is an outstanding example of this, as she has exhibited the continuous growth and improvement educators hope for in all students.

Academic achievements:

• While English is her second language, Avila Torres has successfully completed courses with and without additional support.

Involvement at Willowbrook:

• Member of Students for H.O.P.E. (Helping Organ Procurement Education)
  
  
• Member of Ritmo Latino

Future plans:

• Avila Torres is enrolled in the cosmetology program at Technology Center of DuPage (TCD). She plans to pursue a degree in nursing. She also looks forward to opening her own salon with her sister and uncle.

Staff member comments:
“I am so very proud of Avila Torres and her tremendous improvement over the years. She is focused, responsible and engaged, especially in cosmetology through Technology Center of DuPage (TCD). She has been passionate about cosmetology since I met her. She overcame some initial struggles with attendance and academics, especially in math. Edgar Dorado, her math teacher from last year, said she was always willing to do the extra work to understand concepts and would seek him out when she was challenged. She never would give up. She went on to pass that class, as well as all the classes that are required for graduation at this point. Her senior year has been a wonderful example of how far she has come. She embodies the tenacity and perseverance of a Warrior and has overcome her initial obstacles. I am incredibly happy for Avila Torres, as I know this is going to catapult her to even greater heights.”

- Willowbrook counselor Lourdes Piña

“Avila Torres is an inspiration to us all! I have had the pleasure of teaching her in Human Geography, Government and Economics. Her quiet strength is an example for all of us. She has become a strong and confident young woman, who has learned how to handle struggles and overcome obstacles to meet with success.”

- Willowbrook social studies teacher Maritza Francisco

“Avila Torres is an inspiration to all the students in the English Learners (EL) program. We are all so proud of her.”

- Willowbrook EL teacher Lucy Almanza-Fernandez