The 2014-15 school year continues to show why Willowbrook is one of America’s top high schools

As we begin the month of December, Willowbrook is quickly closing in on the first half of an outstanding 2014-15 school year. And what a first half of the year it has been!

Building on our recognition as one of the top high schools in America by The Washington Post and Newsweek since 2008, we continue to have students enroll in and successfully complete the most rigorous courses and programs available. That includes our Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level coursework, as well as dual-credit courses in partnership with College of DuPage. Those programs provide opportunities for students to earn college credit while still at Willowbrook.

Our learning environment keeps evolving with the continued integration of writing and creative problem solving, with an emphasis on applying those skills beyond the classroom. Students are demonstrating those skills in all of our courses, including art and music, as well as in our Project Lead The Way engineering courses and our Brook Catering Co., which is comprised of students who are enrolled in culinary classes at Willowbrook.

Our fall musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” was a smash hit, and our fall athletic programs featured a State champion in girls swimming and numerous students being named to the all-conference and all-academic teams in the West Suburban Gold Conference. The winter season will bring our annual Holiday Concert Series on Dec. 11 and 17, as well as the continuation of our students participating in extracurricular programs, sports and activities.

Our students also continue to demonstrate the Warrior Pride, Tradition and Excellence that defines our school through giving back to our communities. As part of our annual Warriors Give Back initiatives, this time of year brings an opportunity for our students and staff to provide donations of food, clothing and gifts for local families and students in need. In October, we also raised funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

We are proud of the successes our students and staff have achieved so far this school year through living the Warrior Code and demonstrating the Respect, Responsibility and Engagement we expect of all Warriors. We look forward to more accomplishments to come this winter and spring, and we thank you for your continued support of these efforts.