Willowbrook names October recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Penelope DelValle (pictured above, with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause) has been named as Willowbrook’s October recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. DelValle, 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.

As a student, DelValle consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. DelValle actually began her high school career while she was in middle school, as she completed math and world language courses at Willowbrook when she was in seventh and eighth grades.

Academic achievements:

  • Completed a multitude of honors, dual-credit and Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses
  • Inductee of the National Honor Society
  • Named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career

Involvement at Willowbrook:

  • Cofounder and cohost of The Brook Channel, Willowbrook’s student news channel
  • Member of Willowbrook’s Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) program, which strives to prepare students to recognize and learn from the diversity around them
  • New Beginnings Leader (a program where upperclassmen mentor freshmen and show them what it means to be a Willowbrook Warrior and assist them in adjusting to high school)
  • Member of the Principal and Superintendent leadership teams
  • Ambassador to assist students who transfer to Willowbrook
  • Member of Student Council
  • Member of DECA (a competitive club that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management)
  • Member of the Girls Tennis Team, where she serves as Captain

Staff member comments:
“DelValle is a very deserving student for District 88’s Best. I have enjoyed working with her during the last four years as her School Counselor. Outside of her commitment to her academics, DelValle has been a staple in our work with the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) program. Her commitment to helping students and being the bridge between students and staff has been a tremendous asset to our work. Whenever we call upon her for presentations or activities, she jumps at the opportunity. She represents herself, her family and District 88 in a positive way at all times. As the face of The Brook Channel (Willowbrook’s student news channel), I have enjoyed working with her to communicate events and news to the student body. DelValle will always be a Warrior, and I can see her continuing to return for various events and speaking to future Warriors and educators.”

- Dana Whittaker, Willowbrook Director of School Counseling

“I have had the pleasure of knowing DelValle since she was in my AP Human Geography course. She was always determined to do her best and was relentless in learning from her mistakes and improving as a student. That determination is evident in all she does. It has been amazing to see her devotion to her academics and extracurricular activities, and Willowbrook has been blessed to have her walk the halls for the last four years. She will be missed when she moves on to her next big adventure, but there is no doubt in my mind that the same determination and drive will make her successful in all she sets out to accomplish.”

- Brett Maguire, Willowbrook Social Studies Department Head

“Having had the privilege of teaching DelValle in two classes now, it’s hard to articulate the amount of respect and admiration I have for her both as a student and as an individual. She is eternally positive, hardworking and diligent. She embraces her learning, hungers for knowledge and understanding, and eagerly accepts academic challenges. And she does it all with a smile on her face and a resolute demeanor that I have seldom seen from any student in nearly 20 years of teaching.”

- Matt Clapper, Willowbrook social studies teacher

“DelValle has been an integral part of the success of the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) program. She has a passion for social justice and a heart to make sure every single person has the opportunity to learn, achieve and be successful. Her work in creating and hosting The Brook Channel (Willowbrook’s student news channel) has been an amazing part of keeping all members of our community informed and connected during the most challenging of circumstances. Maybe most powerfully though, everything she does is done with kindness and respect. She is truly one of Willowbrook’s best!”

- Pete Montgomery, Willowbrook social studies teacher

  • 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.