Addison Trail hosts two annual events that have become school tradition
This past week has been an exciting time at Addison Trail, as we hosted two annual events that have become tradition for our school.
On Feb. 17, we hosted the 16th annual Mr. AT event, where 12 male seniors showed their Blazer Pride and talent to compete for the title of “Mr. AT.” They also escorted their mothers during a formal wear section and participated in a question-and-answer segment. This year’s show had a “Wizard of Oz” theme and truly showcased how much talent we have within our halls, as the students displayed an array of talent – from comedy, to poetry to dancing, singing and performing self-composed pieces of music.
As Principal of Addison Trail, it is always tremendous to see what our students can do, and it’s wonderful to watch them come together and support one another. In the end, Ryan Cabildo was crowned as this year’s Mr. AT for his involvement at Addison Trail and his musical talent on the alto, baritone and tenor saxophone. The Mr. AT contestants are Jeremy Sechan, Alec Montgomery, Maxwell Dziabis, Darrion Conrad, Dominic Zumpano, Dean Barkoulies, Cabildo, Nico Favuzzi, Michael Gagliano, Victor Jaimes, George Neri and Tahj Wood. To watch a video of the crowning ceremony, go to https://youtu.be/kN5mD0LEpio.
The contestants were judged by Addison Trail math teacher Lindsay Bugajsky, science teacher Kira Bonk, science teacher Carolyn Erwin, English Department Chair Amy Ferraro, Counseling Department Administrative Assistant Karen Grady and social studies teacher Mary Kelsay.
The hosts of the show were seniors Sevina Topalska, Sarah Garces Rivera, Diamond Pikulyk and Jasmin Mehmeti. Sophomore Connor White was Oz, seniors Alyssa Pham and Briceyda Vivero were munchkins, senior Andre Frontier was Toto/Dredog and seniors Alyssa Ramir and Keara Schmitt were citizens of Oz, who did a phenomenal job spearheading the event!
Pictured are the Mr. AT contestants, along with other Addison Trail students who helped make the show possible.
The Mr. AT contestants perform the show's opening number.
Pictured is Ryan Cabildo (playing tenor saxophone), "Mr. AT."
Pictured is Nico Favuzzi (playing the piano), "Mr. Runner-Up."
Pictured is Dean Barkoulies (center), "Mr. Goofball."
Pictured is Darrion Conrad (center), "Mr. Muscles."
Pictured is Maxwell Dziabis, "Mr. Fantastic."
Pictured is Michael Gagliano, "Mr. Rhythm."
Pictured is Victor Jaimes, "Mr. Mama's Boy."
Pictured is Alec Montgomery, "Mr. Twinkle Toes."
Pictured is George Neri (third from left), "Mr. Blazer Pride."
Pictured is Jeremy Sechan, "Mr. Bookworm."
Pictured is Tahj Wood (left), "Mr. Pearly Whites."
Pictured is Dominic Zumpano (right), "Mr. Ladies Man."
And on Feb. 18, we hosted our 17th annual Pay It Forward/Freshmen Orientation, where incoming freshmen spend the day with Addison Trail staff members and current students who are CORE leaders. Nearly 400 eighth-graders and Addison Trail students attended this year’s event, where they participated in teambuilding activities and leadership workshops and toured the building to get to know Addison Trail and what it means to be a Blazer. The day, which had a theme of “Our Time is Now,” concluded with a reflection period and a dance, where students were able to celebrate their work.
Pictured are the Addison Trail students who served as CORE leaders during this year's Pay It Forward/Freshmen Orientation on Feb. 18.
Pictured are the Addison Trail staff members who helped lead this year's Pay It Forward/Freshmen Orientation on Feb. 18. They are (from left) Addison Trail Assistant Principal Iridia Niewinski, special education teacher aide Lauren Ross, math teacher Lindsay Bugajsky, special education teacher Jack Andrews, English teacher RJ Budler and social worker Jorge de Leon.
Pay It Forward is a great opportunity to get to meet the next class of Blazers, and it’s always inspiring to see the wonderful group of students we have at Addison Trail.
We also continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary throughout the 2016-17 school year, and we invite you to join the fun.
Below are ways to stay up to date with Addison Trail 50th anniversary events:
- Calendar of events: www.dupage88.net/AT50thAnniversary (See information about events that have taken place so far at http://tinyurl.com/znwwx95)
- 50th anniversary hotline: Call 630-628-3300
- Facebook group: http://tinyurl.com/zz9g76y
- Twitter: Addison Trail implemented #BuckyTurns50 on Twitter, where alumni and the Addison Trail community are invited to “Tweet” happy birthday wishes to a very special member of the Blazer family – the school’s mascot, Bucky Blazer. Bucky is now 50, and this fun hashtag allows people to share their memories of Bucky and their alma mater.
- Alumni database: Register at www.dupage88.net/atalumni
Thank you for your continued support of Addison Trail and District 88. Go, Blazers!