Addison Trail names October recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Madelyn Ford (pictured above, with Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews) has been named as Addison Trail’s October recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Ford, a senior, was recognized during the Oct. 18 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch her 88’s Best presentation, click on the video above.

Ford said she likes to push her limits and meet new people. She asks questions, forms relationships with her teachers and peers and is always driven to learn something new. She credits her parents, aunt and siblings for pushing her to be a better person and enabling her success.

Academic achievements:

  • Received a grade of A in every course she has taken during her high school career
  • Will complete 14 honors courses and 14 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses when she graduates this spring
  • Named to the Distinction Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters
  • Named as AT’s Best twice
  • Honored with the Social Studies Department Award

Involvement at Addison Trail:

  • Co-President of the International Club
  • Earned Outstanding Musician recognition from the Addison Trail Music Department twice
  • Recognized by the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA)
  • All-Conference member of the Girls Cross-Country Team and the Girls Track Team
  • Member of Science Olympiad, Key Club, Best Buddies, International Dance, Lettermen’s Club, Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society, Math Team, Academic Team, Environmental Club, Science Club, Psychology Club, School Quartet, Future Medical Professionals and Blazer News

Future plans:
Although Ford enjoys all of her classes, she has a passion for the sciences. She is interested in learning about the life sciences and Spanish and hopes to pursue a double major in college.

Staff member comments:
“As a student in my AP Biology class, Ford has already contributed so much to our class discussions. Her passion for and dedication to science is nothing short of inspiring. Her work ethic, combined with her curiosity and fierce intellect, has not only set her apart from her peers here at Addison Trail, but will continue to do so as she pursues her post-secondary education. I am thrilled for her and her family that she is being recognized for her outstanding academic record.”

- Carolyn Erwin, Addison Trail science teacher

“I have been lucky enough to be Ford’s counselor over the last four years. She is a competitor. Whether it’s academics or athletics, at the end of the day, Ford is a competitor. She also is a student dedicated to learning. For Ford, it isn’t just about grades – it’s about understanding concepts and the enjoyment of learning.”

- Shane Cole, Addison Trail Guidance Counselor

“Ford is an excellent cellist. She has been a leader in the orchestra every year she has been a member, culminating with her being Vice President of Chamber Orchestra this year. Ford is always willing to take on additional responsibilities and additional musical events that help make her a better musician. Last year, Ford represented Addison Trail at the ILMEA Festival, which showcases some of the best musicians in Illinois. Ford strives for excellence in everything she does. We are very lucky to have her as a member of the orchestra program here at Addison Trail!”

- Alex Stombres, Orchestra Director

“I had Ford during her sophomore year in AP U.S. History (APUSH). Truth be told, there is a bit of a learning curve for most sophomores in the course. From the first day I met Ford, it was evident she was going to be an exception to the norm, as she possessed all of the skills necessary to make a smooth transition from AP Human Geography to APUSH. In class, Ford was respectful, organized, articulate and dependable. She often took the lead on class projects, volunteered to take on challenging roles and assisted many of her peers who might have found a concept or two a bit challenging. Her work throughout the year was impeccable, and her attention to detail was second to none. Although our year together was cut short by the pandemic, Ford still goes out of her way to say hello and see how my classes are going; it’s just the type of genuine person she is. In short, Ford is the type of student every teacher wishes they could have in class each and every day.”

- Brendan Lyons, Addison Trail Social Studies Department Head

“Ford has been an incredible addition to the Girls Cross-Country Team for the past four years. She has been a natural leader, even as a ninth-grader. Her competitive drive serves her both inside the classroom and on the courses on which she competes. She is generous with her time and has been involved in so many activities and sports throughout her years at Addison Trail. All the while, she has been an excellent student. I couldn’t be more proud to have her recognized with this honor.”

- Kirsten Olson, Addison Trail math teacher and Girls Cross-Country coach

  • 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.