Willowbrook names February recipient of 88's Best recognition

Pictured is Willowbrook senior Brianna White, who has been named as the school's February recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding service work. She is pictured with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause.

Brianna White has been named as Willowbrook’s February recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding service work. White, a senior, was recognized during the Feb. 26 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

As a student, White consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of her high school career, White will have completed seven Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of Honors courses. She also has been recognized as a member of the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career and has been honored with the Outstanding Freshman Award and the Human Relations Award. She received Honorable Mention recognition in the 2017-18 DuPage County Daily Herald Leadership Team program as well. White also is an inductee of National English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Thespians, Civitas (Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society) and serves as Treasurer of the National Honor Society.

Beyond the classroom, White is a leader and has a passion to serve others. She is a member of the Principal Student Leadership Team, has assisted with three visits for students and staff from China and is a New Beginnings Board Member, where she guides freshmen in the transition to high school. White is a member of the Varsity Athletic Club and has served as a Student Ambassador for pupils who transfer to Willowbrook. White is a thriving member of Willowbrook’s Theatre program as well and has participated in 11 productions so far – as an actress and most recently as stage manager.

“I have worked closely with White for about eight years,” said Regina Wathier, Willowbrook Theatre Director. “Her success in academics, service and the extracurricular arenas is entirely due to her professional work ethic, talent, communication skills and passion for every endeavor. She has been an amazing student director and stage manager; she is kind, encouraging and firm. I trust both her leadership ability and her amazing interpersonal skills. These superior skills transcend to ALL of her service roles! I can't think of anyone more befitting the service award than Brianna White.”

White’s service to others continues within and beyond Willowbrook as a volunteer during Willowbrook’s Theatre Summer Camp and freshmen transition program, as a King Conservation Science Scholar at Brookfield Zoo and as a student coordinator for the Illinois Leadership Seminar.

“White is a dedicated, kind student, who is always willing to offer a thought for discussion or to volunteer to assist in class,” said Brett Blair, Willowbrook English Department Head. “Her generous spirit will transcend throughout her entire life, and Illinois State University will be very lucky to have her next year.”

Willowbrook math teacher Anna Lu agreed.

“White works hard at academics,” Lu said. “To her, it doesn't matter what she is studying; she just wants to know and understand anything she's expected to learn to the best of her ability. She doesn't worry about how a course's content will or won't apply to her personal life. She studies for the sake of studying, learns for the sake of learning, always trusting that there's some greater purpose behind it all.”

Willowbrook world language teacher Cristy Hebreard said White’s desire to help others is what makes her stand out.

“There aren't enough words to describe White, but I will do my best,” Hebreard said. “I have known White far before she was a freshman at Willowbrook. She has spent many hours here helping, along with her family. I knew from when she was in elementary school she would make a difference here at Willowbrook. She has a heart bigger than anyone I have ever met. She has yet to meet a stranger, and if you are someone in need, she is the first person by your side. Her smile can light up a room, and her positive outlook on life is unrivaled. I know White is going to continue to do amazing things when she attends Illinois State University next year. I just hope ISU is ready for her! Thank you, Brianna, for all of your work, dedication and service to Willowbrook and the entire community. You have shown us what a true Warrior is and how we should all interact with others.”

White plans to pursue a degree in biological sciences at Illinois State University. She is considering a career as a 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.