Willowbrook names October recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Abby Pakeltis has been named as Willowbrook’s October recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her academic accomplishments. Pakeltis, a senior, was recognized during the Oct. 20 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

As a student, Pakeltis consistently pursues a rigorous course load at Willowbrook. She is enrolled in six Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and has completed six other AP courses, as well as 10 honors-level courses. She also has been named to the Distinct Honor Roll each semester of her high school career, has maintained a class ranking within the 99th percentile and is an inductee of the National Honor Society (of which she is president), the National English Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society, the Math Honor Society and Civitas (the social studies honor society).

Beyond the classroom, Pakeltis continues to demonstrate a true passion for learning and her commitment to the Warrior community. She is a member of Science Olympiad, Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, Key Club (of which she is president) and Student Council. She also is an active member in Blue Crew (Willowbrook’s spirit group) and New Beginnings (a student-organized peer mentor program).

“For years, Pakeltis has been preparing herself for success at the college level and beyond,” said James Kedvesh, Willowbrook science teacher. “She is one of the smartest and most motivated students I have ever taught. When presented with a challenge (in class, in a club, or in life), Pakeltis will work tirelessly to make sure the challenge is completed to the absolute best of her ability. There truly aren’t enough positive things to say about a student of this caliber.”

Willowbrook English teacher Tara Murphy agreed.

“Pakeltis is one of the most conscientious students I have taught,” Murphy said. “Learning, not the grade, is at the forefront of her efforts. She wants knowledge for the sake of enriching herself and for the sake of applying this to the future. Pakeltis also is rare in the way she approaches life. She is effervescent and giving. She treats everyone with kindness and gives back to her community in all ways possible.”

Pakeltis credits her parents for always encouraging her to do well in school and to try her best. She credits her older sister, Grace (a 2013 Willowbrook graduate), as being a role model for her.

As she looks to the future, Pakeltis plans to major in mechanical engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, University of Minnesota or Michigan Technology University.