Addison Trail names April recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Morgan Pirtle has been named as Addison Trail’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her accomplishments in the performing arts/electives. Pirtle, a senior, was recognized during the April 28 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

Pirtle has been an excellent student all four years at Addison Trail and has taken a myriad of courses offered at the school. From the nine Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and 12 honors classes, to the extensive coursework completed in the music department, Pirtle has always gone above and beyond. Her involvement in the elective areas includes Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Wind Ensemble Honors, Treble Choir Honors and Introduction to Theater Arts. She also is class president, Student Council president and is a member of Addison Trail’s National Honor Society and countless other groups and organizations.

Along with her success in the classroom, Pirtle has been heavily involved in Addison Trail’s theatre and musical performances. She has participated in band, orchestra, choir, Shades of Blue, Jazz Band and as a drum major. She has performed in every fall, winter and spring play all four years of her high school career, with leading roles in most. Pirtle also has performed in every Variety Show and One Acts show, two Improv Shows and participated in the school’s 24-Hour Theatre Challenge.

She has received numerous awards and has been invited to multiple State and National competitions/workshops for the performing arts. This year, Pirtle was the first Addison Trail student to win an award for song composition through the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA). Her song “Pushin’” recently received 3rd place in the ILMEA Composition Contest in the Jazz Vocal/Instrumental category. Along with her ILMEA award, Pirtle also was recently named as a National YoungArts Foundation Honorable Mention Winner in Jazz Voice. In receiving that award, Pirtle was invited to perform in a weeklong workshop in March at the National YoungArts Foundation program in Los Angeles with about 100 other nominees.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Pirtle for the past three years,” said Addison Trail teacher Jennifer Kowalski. “She has always taken on a leadership role and is always very organized. In class, she often shares current events that might relate to the topic being discussed and is very passionate about learning. I am happy to have been able to work with her for the past three years and am sad to see her graduate. I know she will be successful in her future endeavors.”

Addison Trail physical education teacher Sheri D’Ambrose agreed.

“This is year 26 for me here at Addison Trail, and Pirtle is among my all-time top Blazers list!” D’Ambrose said. “She is one of the best Student Council presidents we have ever had, she is incredibly talented across the board and, most importantly, she is a great person.”

Addison Trail Band Director Mark Corey said Pirtle’s work ethic is what has helped her become so accomplished in music.

“Success as a musician is not due to talent,” Corey said. “I have had the pleasure of working alongside some of the finest musicians in the world, and most will tell you hard work and determination are the only keys to success, and that is exactly how I would describe Pirtle. Each honor Pirtle has earned is due to her centered focus on continually being a better musician. From her personal work ethic to her constant pursuit of musical experiences that expand her artistry, Pirtle is one of only a handful of students ever that I will soon be proud to call a musical peer.”

Pirtle said music is her entire life and is what drives her and fuels her soul. Her mother is a professional clarinetist and has helped shape her passion for music and the arts.

Pirtle’s future plans include attending the University of Illinois at Chicago in the school’s jazz studies program, where she plans to continue singing and composing.

• 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. Students are honored each month during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in the areas of academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work and performing arts/electives.