Nicholas Eufrasio has been named as Willowbrook’s May recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his academic accomplishments. Eufrasio, a senior, was recognized during the May 4 District 88 Board of Education meeting.
Eufrasio is not only gifted academically, he also is involved in a variety of activities throughout the school and community. When he graduates, Eufrasio will have taken eight Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and a dozen honors courses. He has maintained a class ranking within the 98th percentile and is an inductee of the National English Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, the World Languages Honor Society and Civitas (Willowbrook’s social studies honor society). Eufrasio also is an Illinois State Scholar and an AP Scholar, and he received Willowbrook’s Outstanding Student award and the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
Beyond the classroom, Eufrasio demonstrates the same determination to succeed in numerous extracurricular activities. He is a four-year member of the Football Team and the Boys Track and Field Team, of which he is Co-Captain. He also has served as a New Beginnings mentor his junior and senior years to help incoming freshmen and is a member of the Economics Challenge Team.
“Eufrasio is a hard worker, who is always striving to be the best he can be,” said Marina Gozzetti, Willowbrook literacy teacher. “He has a positive attitude and is a leader in class. Eufrasio is willing to invest extra time during his Warrior Time class to help his fellow peers whenever needed. He exemplifies the Warrior Code and represents what Willowbrook is all about. His passion for learning and knowledge will enable him to be successful in anything he does in the future.”
Willowbrook English Department Chair Brett Blair agreed.
“Eufrasio is a wonderfully eclectic young man,” Blair said. “Though his heart remains with business education, he is capable of successfully completing every task he is given in all subjects. If we are spinning around a correct response in class, I look toward Eufrasio to fill the gap. He thoroughly and thoughtfully reads and responds to each text with an in-depth lens to analyze the author's purpose and gain a greater understanding of the text. Every piece of writing he submits is nearly flawless. I can read the precision he affords to his responses and the pride he takes in his work.”
Terry Artman, Willowbrook social studies teacher and varsity coach of the Boys Track and Field Team, said Eufrasio’s dedication and passion make him stand out.
“(Eufrasio is a) leader in work ethic, focus and character,” Artman said. “He takes practice and competitions seriously, wears the school colors with pride and is goal oriented. His commitment to this program has been fantastic, and his efforts and sacrifices for it are to be thanked. What a fantastic student-athlete to have in the classroom and on the team. He is proud to be a Warrior.”
Nick Hildreth, Willowbrook special education teacher and varsity coach of the Football Team, said Eufrasio is a true leader.
“Eufrasio has excelled in every endeavor at Willowbrook,” Hildreth said. “As a student, he is committed to his studies and excels in the classroom. As a member of our school community, Eufrasio is both involved and concerned. He is a leading member of New Beginnings, a program to help acclimate freshmen to high school. He also was instrumental in helping the football program raise more than $1,000 for Easter Seals, run two spaghetti dinners for our local Lions Club, run a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for a charitable organization and set up a 5K race for a charitable organization. As a senior, he earned Academic All-Conference status and was voted Win Team (Scout Team) Player of the Year. Eufrasio has worked harder at his craft than anyone I have ever been around as a coach or a player. To watch the way he approaches each aspect of his life is an honor and a joy.”
Eufrasio plans to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison and major in accounting.