Willowbrook presents Outstanding Students and Outstanding Teacher awards

Pictured are the Willowbrook students who were recognized as Outstanding Students during a breakfast in their honor on Dec. 7. They are (back row, from left) sophomore Samuel Tumilty, senior Samuel Pakeltis, senior Isabella Ledonne, sophomore Isai Aparicio, (middle row, from left) freshman Stephanie Ramirez, junior Julia Langer, freshman Orlina Abdulhussain, (front row, from left) junior Teresa Noah, senior Marissa Smith, senior Shenandoah Wheeler and junior Caileigh Tuma.

Pictured at left is Willowbrook math teacher Azahara Tello, who received the Outstanding Teacher award on Dec. 7. Pictured at right are the two students who nominated her for that award, seniors Sophia Parrillo (left) and Diana Dybisz.

On Dec. 7, 11 Willowbrook students were recognized as Outstanding Students during a breakfast in their honor.

Criteria to be chosen for that award include:

  • Demonstrating extraordinary achievement, outstanding effort, commendable attitude and motivation
  • Ability to overcome obstacles
  • Continuous exemplary performance

During the event, Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause and Assistant Principal Jamie Gourley welcomed the recipients and their families, as well as the staff members who nominated them. The students were then recognized and given a certificate in honor of their efforts.

The Outstanding Students are:
Art: Senior Shenandoah Wheeler

Career and Technical Education (CTE): Senior Marissa Smith

English: Freshman Orlina Abdulhussain

Learning services: Freshman Stephanie Ramirez

Literacy: Sophomore Isai Aparicio

Math: Senior Samuel Pakeltis

Music: Senior Isabella Ledonne

Physical education: Junior Julia Langer

Science: Junior Teresa Noah

Social studies: Sophomore Samuel Tumilty

World languages: Junior Caileigh Tuma

Willowbrook math teacher Azahara Tello received the Outstanding Teacher award and was presented by seniors Diana Dybisz and Sophia Parrillo. To earn the Outstanding Teacher award, a staff member must treat teaching as a passion – not just a job, create a positive learning environment where students feel encouraged and supported, use a variety of strategies to engage students, be willing to offer extra support when needed, provide prompt and effective feedback to students on their learning and relate to and understand the viewpoints and perspectives of students.