Addison Trail names November recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Left: Pictured is Addison Trail senior Kathan Parikh, who has been named as the school's November recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his highly improved performance. Right: Parikh (pictured at right in the second row) is recognized as Addison Trail's November recipient of 88’s Best recognition during the District 88 Board of Education meeting on Nov. 16.

Kathan Parikh has been named as Addison Trail’s November recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his highly improved performance. Parikh, a senior, was recognized during the Nov. 16 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To listen to his 88’s Best presentation, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/12372.

Parikh immigrated to the United States from Gujarat, India, when he was in eighth grade. A rough start made him question his desire to find success, but a trip back to India, to his culture and to the people who care about him, helped him reset and return to the U.S. with a desire to reach his goals and help others. Parikh started at Addison Trail as a freshman in the ESL program.

Parikh pushed himself, so he could transition from the ESL program and take the challenging honors and Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses he desired. Parikh has earned As in every class and on every semester exam – his growth from ESL student to AP star is evident, as is the hard work he has put in to reach his goals.

“I am so proud of Parikh and all his accomplishments, and I am confident he will continue to excel at the university level,” said Jessica Connolly, Addison Trail Guidance Counselor. “Always striving to do his best, he maintains As in all academic subjects. He handles the stress of his full load with ease and always with a smile on his face. He will be missed when he leaves Addison Trail!”

Addison Trail English teacher Cara Kluczny agreed.

“Parikh has been an absolute pleasure to have in class!” Kluczny said. “He always works diligently and thoughtfully on his assignments, checking in with me throughout to make sure he is meeting the requirements (and beyond). I have only had him as a virtual student, but I can only imagine the light he brings into a real-life classroom, as he shines so brightly even through Zoom. There is no doubt he is deserving of this recognition!”

Parikh said one of his favorite things about Addison Trail is how the teachers care deeply about their instruction and their interactions with students. He is genuinely grateful for the care they’ve provided and the opportunities he has had because of their dedication. He credits math teacher Julie Rana for encouraging him to take honors and AP courses and for helping him realize his potential, even though he didn’t see it at the time.

Parikh also gives much credit and thanks to his parents. They struggled, so he could have a better life and a better education, and he knows how hard they work to make that happen. Parikh also is grateful for the network of friends he has made while at Addison Trail. He said they have pushed him and supported him and given him a safe space to not only grow academically, but also as a person of high character.

“Parikh is one of the hardest-working kids I have had in my 22 years of teaching,” said Colleen Kane, Addison Trail math teacher. “His dedication to his studies is so impressive. Parikh started his freshman year in Sheltered Pre-Algebra and was enrolled in my Algebra Geometry Honors class as a sophomore. This was a huge jump, and he made it look easy. It was truly a pleasure to have him in class. Outside of academics, he is so very mature, responsible and kind. I wish I could have been his math teacher every year.”

During his time at Addison Trail, Parikh has been a member of the Boys Tennis Team (a sport he had never played), Key Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Environmental Club, International Club and Science Club. He also has been invited to participate in Math Team this year and is excited about the prospect of honing his math skills in competition. Before participating in clubs and sports at Addison Trail, Parikh struggled to find a sense of belonging. After suffering through some bullying as a younger student and lacking confidence, Parikh found a great group of friends, coaches and sponsors who welcomed him with open arms. He credits those individuals for helping him change his thinking, and he’s now determined to make sure other students never feel the way he did. Parikh also finds great peace and comfort in his religion. He attends the Hindu temple and said his faith has helped him find the anchor to serve his community in a way that it has served him.

It is no surprise Parikh intends to study his favorite subject, math, in college. His top choices are University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, The Pennsylvania State University and Illinois Institute of Technology. He will focus on computer science and eventually would like to work for a big tech company like Google, where he will begin his vision of creating artificial intelligence that focuses not on replacing humans, but more on emotions – giving people more resources to be creative and interactive with others through technology. His mission is to serve his community and make life better for people, especially those at a disadvantage.

“My experience has motivated me to create an app or software, so I can stop people from thinking negatively and instead affect them positively and change their thinking to focus more on their goals,” Parikh said.

• District 88 values the hard work and achievements of students and wants to make sure students are honored and recognized for their accomplishments. The District 88 Board of Education and administration created the 88’s Best award to highlight students’ success. That award recognizes nine Addison Trail and nine Willowbrook students each school year for reaching their personal best in various areas. Recipients are honored during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in one of the following areas: academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work or performing arts/electives. They receive an 88’s Best glass sculpture and a certificate to a local restaurant.