Addison Trail names September recipient of 88's Best recognition

Bret Novak Jr. has been named as Addison Trail’s September recipient of 88’s Best recognition. Novak, a senior, was recognized during the Sept. 23 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

Novak has sought to take full advantage of all Addison Trail has to offer and has received a number of academic honors. By the end of this year, Novak will have completed 12 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 13 honors courses at Addison Trail. He has made the Distinguished Honor Roll every semester, has been a member of the National Honor Society for the past two years and was recognized with the AP Scholar with Distinction award this year.

Novak said his mother instilled in him at a young age the importance of education and pushed him to always do his work and try his best. His family has always stressed to him academics is the key to success, and high school is about staying focused on academics, getting involved and having fun.

Novak has been a four-year member of Addison Trail’s Math Team, Student Council, Debate Team, Key Club, Academic Team and Tennis Team. He also has participated in Lettermen Club, DECA, Youth in Government and the Basketball Team throughout high school.

“Novak has an easygoing personality to complement his excellent academic work ethic,” said Mark Ailes, Addison Trail science teacher. “He has a good sense of humor and is willing to make fun of himself in a good-natured way.”

Social studies teacher Laura Magnavite agreed.

“What I remember most about (Novak) as a student in AP European history his sophomore year are his enthusiasm for learning and sense of humor, which he injected into every activity, especially class debates,” Magnavite said. “He is famous for his PowerPoint opening statements featuring quotes from classmates and historical figures that attest to the brilliance of his and his side's arguments! He was a joy to teach.”

Novak hopes to attend Northwestern University, where he plans to study to become an anesthesiologist or an electrical engineer.

“I love all the Addison Trail teachers,” Novak said. “They really pushed me academically and made me the best I could be.”