Willowbrook names December recipient of 88's Best recognition

Destiny Williams has been named as Willowbrook’s December recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her highly improved performance. Williams, a senior, was recognized during the Dec. 15, 2014, District 88 Board of Education meeting.

During her time at Willowbrook, Williams has made tremendous academic strides and has progressively taken more rigorous coursework. In four years, she has transformed herself into an “A” student taking honors classes and planning on attending college next year. Coming into high school, Williams struggled with academic and personal challenges. But before her sophomore year, she recalled her academic goals of wanting to be successful in high school and being the first person in her family to go to college. Williams decided instead of using her freshman-year struggles as an excuse, she would use them as motivation and rededicate herself to making college a serious goal.

“Every day, Williams greeted her classmates and me with a smile, was prompt and often had an engaging question or comment pertinent to our topics,” said CTE Department Chair Mary Barney. “Williams represents what it means to be a responsible and engaging Warrior with her spirit and continued growth as a leader – on and off the court – in and out of the classroom.”

Willowbrook English and literacy teacher Kate Wilson agreed.

“I am truly excited to see what Williams does in the future!” Wilson said. “I watched her develop into a dedicated and passionate student, and I could tell she truly valued learning and absorbed everything she could because she saw the value. But it isn't all work with Williams. Her charismatic personality and sense of humor make her light up the classroom. She is liked by her peers and respected by adults."

Outside of the classroom, Williams is a member of the Girls Basketball Team and Best Buddies and also is a Special Olympics coach. She volunteers her time at a local nursing home, a local church and at Human Resources Development Institute Inc. Williams credits her family for helping her stay focused on academics and for supporting her every step of the way. She also credits her teachers for helping her accomplish her academic goals.

Williams plans to study nursing at Mount Mercy University in Iowa. She hopes to one day be a pediatric or neonatal nurse.