Addison Trail names August recipient of 88's Best recognition

Ryan Cabildo has been named as Addison Trail’s August recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his academic accomplishments. Cabildo, a senior, was recognized during the Aug. 29 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

When he graduates, Cabildo will have completed 11 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and 14 honors courses, receiving a grade of A in all of them.

“I've had Cabildo in AP language, and he is an exceptional student who excels in both reading and writing,” said Addison Trail English teacher Jessica Clark. “Cabildo provided enlightening discussion and set the bar high for all other students. Aside from academics, he is extremely respectful and mature. As a teacher, I'm very lucky to have had him in class.”

Addison Trail Guidance Counselor Dana Marine agreed.

“Of all the students I have taught/counseled through the years, Cabildo ranks at the top,” Marine said. “Not only is Cabildo’s transcript flawless, but his AP exam and standardized test results are beyond remarkable. This year, Cabildo is enrolled in six AP classes, and I am in awe of his ability to balance a rigorous course schedule, music and co-curricular activities; somehow, he makes it all look easy. While I am impressed with Cabildo’s intelligence and academic achievements, I am most impressed with his character. Cabildo is a fine, humble young man and a balanced individual. He has a warm personality and is respected by his peers and teachers.”

Cabildo excels in all areas of academics, but his favorite class has always been music.

“Cabildo is that student who exemplifies hard work, while maintaining grace under pressure,” said Addison Trail Music Department Chair and Band Director Mark Corey. “He achieves at the highest level in all his academics, while balancing a busy life outside of the school day with involvement in theatre and musical projects. Cabildo is driven to succeed in all he does, but does so not because of the accolades it will bring him, but because he believes in giving his very best in all he does.”

Last year, Cabildo represented Addison Trail at the Illinois Music Education Conference in the Jazz Ensemble, where he played with some of the best musicians in the state, worked with professional directors and educators, and saw other great artists perform. Cabildo also is involved in other extra-curricular activities, including National Honor Society, Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society, Theatre and Academic Team. He has reached out to the community as well through programs such as Feed My Starving Children and the PADS homeless shelter.

“I have had the honor of coaching Cabildo on the Academic Team, and I'm very impressed with how he conducts himself,” said Matt Bauers, Addison Trail Academic Team sponsor and math teacher. “He is obviously highly intelligent, but he doesn't just coast on innate talent. He works extremely hard, raises up those around him and shows integrity and determination in the face of competition. Cabildo leads by example and improves the morale of his teammates (and coaches) with his positive attitude and sense of humor. He is a true leader and an excellent choice to represent Addison Trail as District 88's Best.”

Cabildo’s future plans include going to college, preferably at Stanford University, Harvard University or Yale University. Yale is Cabildo’s top choice, as it offers him an opportunity to earn a double major in music theory and engineering. As of now, Cabildo’s end goal is to be a composer of music.

• 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.