Willowbrook names April recipient of 88's Best recognition

Bridget Garner has been named as Willowbrook’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her academic accomplishments. Garner, a senior, was recognized during the May 9 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

As a student, Garner has enrolled in the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook, including completing seven Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and a multitude of honors courses. She has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, an Illinois State Scholar and has earned Honor Roll status each semester of her high school career. She also is Secretary of the National English Honor Society and is an inductee of the National Honor Society, Civitas (Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society), the Math Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society.

Beyond the classroom, Garner has been recognized with the Human Relations Award and the Outstanding Freshman Award. She also is a member of Key Club, Varsity Athletic Club, Blue Crew and serves as a New Beginnings Leader, assisting new Warriors in the transition to high school.

Garner’s commitment to Willowbrook is further demonstrated by her participation as a four-year member of the Varsity Girls Tennis, Basketball and Soccer teams and as a representative at the West Suburban Conference Leadership Conference. She is Captain of the Tennis Team and has received Academic All-Conference recognition for Basketball.

Garner regularly volunteers at the Lombard-Villa Park Food Pantry, as a Freshmen Progress Program mentor, packing meals for Feed My Starving Children and bell ringing for the Salvation Army.

“Garner exudes confidence and poise,” said Tara Murphy, Willowbrook English teacher. “She is kind and giving, spunky and fun. She is a person to look up to and a person to lean on. Garner is simply a wonderful person. She lights up any and every room she enters and does so without ego. She is an athlete, a friend, a volunteer and a student – and I am proud to have known her. She is honestly, without cliché, one of a kind.”

Willowbrook world language teacher Peg Browne agreed.

“Not only is Garner smart, but she is fun and funny,” Browne said. “She says hello every day with a smile. She works so hard in school and in her sports. She is a team player and a true Warrior.”

Willowbrook Girls Tennis Team Head Coach Christy Scardina said Garner’s upbeat personality is what makes her stand out.

“Garner’s competitive focus, leadership skills and positive attitude will carry over to her next endeavor,” Scardina said. “There is no doubt she will be successful at her future dreams and continue to pick those up around her.”

Garner plans to continue her education by pursuing a degree in biochemistry and will continue to play tennis when she attends Dominican University in the fall.

• District 88 values the hard work and achievements of students and wants to make sure students are honored and recognized for their accomplishments. The District 88 Board of Education and administration created the 88’s Best award to highlight students’ success. That award recognizes nine Addison Trail and nine Willowbrook students each school year for reaching their personal best in various areas. Students are honored during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in the areas of academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work or performing arts/electives.