Willowbrook names September recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Lia Galindo (pictured above, with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause) has been named as Willowbrook’s September recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments.

Galindo, 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.

Galindo stands apart given her leadership within the school community and her commitment to success – both her own and that of her classmates. She is an ever-present and visible member of the student body and participates in nearly every student organization and activity offered at Willowbrook.

Academic and extracurricular achievements:

  • Completed 14 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as multiple honors, Project Lead The Way, college-credit-earning and dual-credit courses
  • Inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS) and serves as Treasurer
  • Inducted into the National English Honor Society, Civitas (Social Studies Honor Society), Math Honor Society and World Language Honor Society
  • Named an AP Scholar with Distinction
  • Earned Distinction Honor Roll status each semester
  • Recognized with the Human Relations Award (Students who receive this award are recognized for their attention to cultural diversity and human dignity and for reinforcing that behavior in all they do for Willowbrook and surrounding communities.)
  • Earned academic honor from the College Board National Recognition Programs
  • Named Outstanding Student for the Science Department

Involvement at Willowbrook:

  • Secretary of Thespian Society
  • Senior Editor of the yearbook, Centurion
  • President of the Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement (HOLA) Club
  • Serves as a New Beginnings Leader and Board Member (a program where upperclassmen mentor freshmen and show them what it means to be a Willowbrook Warrior and assist them in adjusting to high school)
  • Serves on the Principal Student Leadership Team
  • Secretary of Student Council
  • Features Editor for the school newspaper, Skyline
  • Member of Math Team, Model United Nations, Multicultural Club, Scholastic Bowl, Science Olympiad, Chess Club, American Sign Language Club, Environmental Club, Key Club and Theatre Light Crew
  • Co-captain of Speech Team
  • Willowbrook Registration Worker during the summer

Community involvement:

  • Volunteers with Helen Plum Library

Future plans:

Galindo plans to study medicine as she continues her education. Her top choices are Johns Hopkins University and Loyola University Chicago.

Staff member comments:

“Galindo is easily one of the sweetest, friendliest and most caring students I have ever met … but when it comes to her learning, she is tenacious! It is difficult for me to remember having a student who worked as hard and as diligently as Galindo. She puts her heart and soul into every assignment, project and class discussion, and she enriches the learning environment for all of her peers in the process. She is eternally positive and overcomes all academic challenges with a smile on her face. She expresses gratitude to her teachers for the learning opportunities they provide her and reminds us all of how lucky we are to get to work with amazing Warriors like her, who are poised to accomplish great things in this world.”

- Matt Clapper, Willowbrook social studies teacher

“I had the pleasure of meeting Galindo as a freshman and having her as my student in Honors Geometry. Even back then, I knew I was in the presence of an incredibly thoughtful, respectful, kind, generous, bright and responsible young lady. Galindo embodies all of the qualities of a great student, but more importantly, the qualities of an amazing human being. Galindo is always willing to take on new challenges and ready to help out whenever and wherever needed. While I am sad to know this will be Galindo’s final year at Willowbrook, I am filled with happiness and confidence knowing she will find success in her future endeavors. Galindo, thank you for being an amazing person, and thank you for giving me the honor of being your teacher.”

- Edgar Dorado, Willowbrook math teacher

“I have had the pleasure and honor of teaching Galindo in AP Calculus AB this school year. Galindo is a hard worker, but even more importantly, she brings a positive attitude and improves the learning environment for all students. She assists students seated near her and participates in class discussions and debates about mathematics. Galindo is going to accomplish great things in college and beyond.”

- Josh Zwart, Willowbrook math teacher

“Galindo is a thoughtful, compassionate and exceptional student – but more important, she’s an outstanding person. She is certainly deserving of this recognition.”

- Jim White, Willowbrook English 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.