Addison Trail names October recipient of 88's Best recognition

Pictured is Addison Trail senior Madeline Danhouser, who has been named as Addison Trail’s October recipient of 88’s Best recognition. She's pictured with Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden.

Madeline Danhouser has been named as Addison Trail’s October recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Danhouser, a senior, was recognized during the Oct. 30 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch her 88’s Best presentation, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/7801 (or click the video above).

Danhouser is an extremely dedicated student and has earned an A for every semester grade and almost every final exam. By the time she graduates, Danhouser will have completed 11 Honors courses and 11 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses.

“Danhouser is a top-notch, well-rounded young lady,” said Addison Trail Guidance Counselor Dana Marine. “I am so very impressed with her diverse talents and interests. I love that she nurtures her passions and selects her own path. Even though Danhouser ranks as one of the top students in her class and always gives 110 percent, she is not concerned with competition. For her senior year, she has decided to complement her AP classes with electives, regardless of level, that allow her creativity and artistic abilities to shine. I commend her for this. Danhouser’s humble confidence, work ethic and positive personality make her a model student.”

Addison Trail science teacher Andrea Grossart agreed.

“I have been very fortunate to know Danhouser since she entered Addison Trail as a freshman in my honors biology class,” Grossart said. “I now have her as a senior in my horticulture class. In four years, she still has the hardest work ethic I have seen in an individual. She is a quiet leader, who perseveres through difficult tasks and inspires others to try their best when facing challenges. I admire how diverse her interests are; from theatre to flower arranging – Danhouser can do it all! Through all of her hard work and determination, she has opened many doors to her future, and I can't wait to hear what she chooses, because I know she is going to change the world for the better!”

Beyond the classroom, Danhouser plays a big part in the Addison Trail Theatre program. She joined Theatre Crew her freshman year, and that group has provided her with the creative outlet she craves. Danhouser is extremely proud of the work she has accomplished with theatre, and she has created bonds with the cast and crew that have made a huge impression on her life. Her connection and dedication to Addison Trail’s Theatre program have helped push her out of her comfort zone and develop leadership skills.

So far this year, one of Danhouser’s major accomplishments was being chosen as a crew member for the 2018 Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF) All-State production of “Big Fish.” She will be part of the costume crew for the show, which will take place during the festival in January. Through this opportunity, she has met many students from throughout the state and gained invaluable experiences in a field she wants to pursue as a career.

“Danhouser is one of our strongest theatre students,” said Addison Trail Theatre Director Anna Jakubka. “This year, she not only qualified for the IHSTF All-State production of ‘Big Fish,’ but she also has taken it upon herself to build her portfolio. She handmade many costumes for our recent fall play, ‘Peter Pan,’ and led the costume crew. Danhouser is extremely organized and always prepared. She has the foresight to think ahead and problem solve, which is rare in high school students. She is by far one of our most dependable students, and I cannot wait to see what she does in the future. I predict a Tony Award one day for costume design!”

Danhouser is in the process of applying to Northern Illinois University and Columbia College Chicago. She plans to study technical theatre, with a focus on costume design and construction.

• 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. Recipients are honored during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in one of the following areas: academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work or performing arts/electives.