Willowbrook alumna receives Spirit of the Billiken award from Saint Louis University

Willowbrook alumna Jessica Young-Eleazar (class of 2012) has been named as a Saint Louis University Spirit of the Billiken honoree.

That award annually recognizes 18 students who are in their final year of study at Saint Louis University and are committed to being proud and dedicated alumni of the university. The Office of Alumni Engagement and the Student Alumni Ambassadors created the Spirit of the Billiken Senior Recognition Program in honor of the 1818 founding of Saint Louis University. Award recipients represent what it means to be a Billiken and excel in academics, leadership, community service, commitment to Saint Louis University and dedication to "living the mission" after graduation.

“Only 18 students earn this honor each year, so I’m very excited to receive this award,” Young-Eleazar said. “I know people who have gotten this award in the past, and I’m honored to be in the same category as them.”

Young-Eleazar said the process involved completing an application and an interview, and she was selected as an honoree based on her involvement as Regional President of Student United Way of Greater St. Louis, President of Saint Louis University’s Music Honor Society, Vice President of Astha A Cappella and Lead Preschool Religious Education Teacher at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church.

This year's honorees, along with their mentors, will be recognized during a special awards ceremony on April 23.

Young-Eleazar is pursuing a major in middle school math education and a minor in music. She said her experience at Willowbrook helped prepare her for a successful future.

“I only attended Willowbrook for one year, but the school and staff had a large impact on my life,” Young-Eleazar said. “Everyone was very welcoming, and learning how to adapt to a new environment quickly has definitely helped me in college. Willowbrook certainly further developed and solidified my love of music and education.”