Addison Trail names August recipient of 88's Best recognition
Kannon Nelms has been named as Addison Trail’s August recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his academic accomplishments. Nelms, a senior, was recognized during the Aug. 31 District 88 Board of Education meeting.
Nelms has taken an array of Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level and honors classes since entering Addison Trail and has received an “A” grade in all of those courses. This summer, Nelms received a perfect score of 36 on his ACT, which is a college admissions exam. He received a score of 35 the previous three times he took the exam, but he wanted that perfect score.
“Nelms is a student for whom even the most superlative descriptors do not seem adequate praise,” said Addison Trail social studies teacher Laura Magnavite. “But here goes – he is brilliant, articulate, gregarious, thoughtful, dedicated, droll and, most importantly, a role model to his peers, instructors and school community of how to deal with life’s ‘curve balls’ with grace and steadfastness. He was a joy to teach!”
Nelms also is a member of the Boys Volleyball Team that made school history last year by placing 3rd at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Tournament. He also went to Florida last spring as a National Qualifier in DECA. Nelms participates in Psychology Club, National Honor Society, Academic Team, Math Team and Pay It Forward, along with numerous community service hours. For the past seven years, Nelms has been working to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, and he completed his Eagle Scout project this summer for Addison Trail (he renovated the shot-put area and built a shed to store equipment). He has pride in his school and has made every effort to show this through example.
“Even with all of his athletic and academic accolades, Nelms has managed to stay grounded,” said Rob Schader, Addison Trail Physical Education Department Chair. “He is one of the nicest and most genuine kids around. Nelms doesn't create problems – he finds solutions. While others are complaining and giving up, he is thriving. Kids gravitate to him because he is such a great guy.”
Addison Trail social studies teacher and Boys Volleyball coach Dan Styler agreed.
“The way Nelms processes information and his analysis of gaining a tactical advantage against opponents are truly unheard of from a player of his age,” Styler said. “He is a dynamic individual, both on and off the court. Although the Blazer Nation is fortunate to have Nelms for one more year, I can't wait to see how he applies his skill set to change the world beyond the walls of Addison Trail.”
Nelms hasn’t yet decided which college he will attend, but his sights are set on the Ivy League schools and Stanford University. He plans to study engineering or an area in the science field.
- 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. Students are honored each month during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in the areas of academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work and performing arts/electives.