Addison Trail names September recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Verenise Morales-Saavedra (pictured above, with Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews) has been named as Addison Trail’s September recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments.

Morales-Saavedra, a senior, was recognized during the Sept. 26 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch her 88’s Best presentation, click on the video above.

For four years, Morales-Saavedra has participated in numerous clubs and also managed to be at the top of her class. She is a great role model for her peers and has spent her high school career balancing all of it with a positive attitude.

“I know what type of lifestyle and future I want for myself after school, and I know it will only be achieved if I stay focused and dedicated to my work,” Morales-Saavedra said. “My mom has made it possible for me to be as involved in school and my community as I am. She drove me to wherever I needed to be and signed a million permission slips that allowed me to take every opportunity Addison Trail has to offer. My teachers and friends have been the ones to keep me sane whenever the pressure got to feel like too much.”

Morales-Saavedra said the biggest lesson she has learned during her time at Addison Trail is to take a chance.

“You never know when one decision may be the one to turn around the whole course of your life,” she said.

Academic and extracurricular achievements:

  • Earned academic honor from the College Board National Recognition Programs
  • Named Social Studies Student of the Semester
  • Named Outstanding Junior Musician

Involvement at Addison Trail:

  • President of National Honor Society (NHS)
  • Member of Key Club
  • Member of International Club, where she served as Co-President
  • Co-Vice President of Best Buddies
  • Sergeant of Arms of Student Council
  • Member of the Girls Golf Team
  • Quartet member (cellist)

Community involvement:

  • Henry Hyde Summer Camp Counselor
  • Caddy at River Forest Country Club

Future plans:

  • Morales-Saavedra plans to attend college with a full ride and double major in finance and communications. She hopes to continue performing throughout college, as part of an orchestra and perhaps in smaller groups as well.

Staff member comments:

“Morales-Saavedra is an amazing student. In everything she does, she strives for excellence. She is a leader in the classroom, and other students look to her for help and guidance with classroom material. She is always willing to take on musical experiences that will help improve her musicianship. She is a phenomenal musician and student, and I am so happy I was able to work with her the past four years. I can think of no student more deserving of this award.”

- Alex Stombres, Addison Trail Orchestra Director

“I am not surprised Morales-Saavedra is being honored with District 88’s Best! She is a hardworking, mature student, who always has a positive attitude and doesn't give up. Morales-Saavedra is always willing to go out of her way to help her classmates and is a highly impressive young person.”

- Kira Bonk, Addison Trail science teacher

“Morales-Saavedra came out to golf mid-season to learn the sport. She picked it up right away and played in an 18-hole outing and was competitive. From the moment I met Morales-Saavedra, I knew she was a special young lady by her willingness to learn something extremely new that is not easy. She maintained great composure, all the while being determined to get better and not frustrated all at the same time. I think she is amazing and going places in her life. Looking forward to her coming back and telling me all about her success!”

- Stacey Puccini, Addison Trail special education teacher and head girls golf coach

“Morales-Saavedra is a bit of a Renaissance woman, whose intellect, determination and open-mindedness are evident on a daily basis. She excels in classes from Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level English Language and Composition to Advanced Woods to Orchestra and eagerly pursues so many learning opportunities that she can’t even fit them all in her schedule. She was an active participant in AP Language each day – prepared, thoughtful, well-informed and ready to support her ideas and challenge her peers to consider new perspectives. She’s an advocate for social justice and a leader in her thoughts and her actions. Morales-Saavedra is kind, funny and never takes herself too seriously. Her calm and collected demeanor allows her to navigate an intense academic schedule and several activities without ever appearing flustered. Congratulations, Morales-Saavedra!”

- Amy Ferraro, Addison Trail English Department Head

  • 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.