Willowbrook names April recipient of 88's Best recognition
Valentina Poggi has been named as Willowbrook’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Poggi, a senior, was recognized during the April 10 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch her 88’s Best presentation, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/6421.
Poggi is a role model and a leader among her peers in the class of 2017. She credits her accomplishments to the support and encouragement of her parents and the example set by her grandmother. She also credits her teachers for helping to cultivate her desire to also set an example for others. As a student, Poggi consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. When she graduates, Poggi will have successfully completed seven Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of Honors courses.
Poggi has been recognized as an AP Scholar and an Illinois State Scholar and has been named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career. She also serves as Treasurer of the National Honor Society and is an inductee of the National English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, World Language Honor Society and Social Studies Honor Society (Civitas).
Beyond the classroom, Poggi is a Board Member for New Beginnings (a program to mentor and support freshmen students as they transition to high school) and has been a member of Key Club, Environmental Club, Blue Crew, Science Olympiad, volleyball and band. Poggi is a four-year member of the Girls Soccer Team as well, where she serves as Captain and has been named as an All-Conference team member.
“Poggi is a tremendously hardworking individual, who constantly challenges herself to be the best,” said Mike Haussmann, Willowbrook Physical Education Department Chair. “She has been successful in every physical education class she has taken and is finishing her high school career by giving back to Willowbrook as a student-leader. We are all tremendously proud of Poggi.”
Willowbrook math teacher Anna Lu agreed.
“Poggi is a go-getter!” Lu said. “She is never satisfied with just ‘kinda’ understanding something. She will hammer away until she understands it inside and out. Poggi will do great things in her lifetime because she's so committed to always doing her best work.”
Willowbrook Guidance Counselor Scott Forcash said Poggi’s upbeat personality is what makes her stand out.
“I would describe Poggi as the most positive student I have encountered at Willowbrook in my 13 years,” Forcash said. “Her smile is contagious, and you can't help but be in a better mood when you are around her. She literally puts her all into everything she does. As a New Beginnings Board Member, she quickly became a leader in a room of leaders. Poggi is trustworthy, dependable, intelligent, honest and is genuinely a caring person – all qualities that will make her a perfect veterinarian in the future.”
Poggi is excited to continue her education and her soccer career at Elmhurst College, where she has earned the Presidential Scholarship. Poggi plans to study biology and then continue her studies in veterinary medicine.
- 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.