Willowbrook names March recipients of 88's Best recognition

Pictured is Willowbrook senior Kathleen Cicero, who has been named as the school's March recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding work in the performing arts/electives. Kathleen was honored along with her twin sister, Julia. She's pictured with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause.

Kathleen Cicero and her twin sister, Julia, have been named as Willowbrook’s March recipients of 88’s Best recognition for their outstanding work in the performing arts/electives. The sisters, who are seniors, were recognized during the March 19 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

As a student, Kathleen consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of her high school career, she will have completed nine Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of honors courses. Kathleen has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, as well as a member of Willowbrook’s Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career. She also has been named as a State Scholar and has received the school’s Outstanding Freshman Award. She is an inductee of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, Civitas (Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society), Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society and serves as Vice President of the school’s Thespian Society.

Beyond the classroom, Kathleen is an active member and leader within the school’s performing arts and extracurricular programs. She is heavily involved in Willowbrook’s Theatre and Choral programs and serves as Co-Captain of the Speech Team. Kathleen has participated in more than 20 productions at Willowbrook, prior to and during high school. She has earned Illinois High School Association (IHSA) All-Sectional Cast recognition and has performed in many lead roles.

In music, Kathleen has been named to the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-District Chorus for the last three years and the All-State Chorus last year. She also is a member of CenterStage (Willowbrook’s show choir) and performs regularly at local venues and throughout the state. That includes performing at the Illinois State Fair and as a member of Spirito! Singers, an all-girls, audition-based high school choir.

Beyond Willowbrook, Kathleen regularly volunteers with local churches, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Misericordia and the Lombard Historical Society.

“Last year, I had the pleasure of reading Kathleen’s work, which is always creative and insightful,” said Terri Woebel, Willowbrook English teacher. “Coming to her papers was truly a joy, and I asked her whether I might keep many of them to use as models for my current classes. Her command of language is rare for high school students. She also often shared her insights in the classroom, helping raise the standards in class and enlightening others. I directed Kathleen her freshman year in the play version of ‘Little Women.’ She was a young student among mostly senior castmates, yet one would not notice the age gap. As a freshman, she was talented, humble, kind and hardworking – and these impressive qualities have continued to mature during the four years I have known her.”

Willowbrook music accompanist Linda Radtke agreed.

“I have had the opportunity to work with Kathleen and her sister during the past four years,” Radtke said. “They are amazing students – hardworking and curious about learning new things about music. One of my favorite memories, and an example of their work ethic, occurred when I helped them to work on their Andrews Sisters-style vocal trio. They decided to do this project on their own. While working with them, I realized they were arranging their own vocal harmonies in the style of the 1940s! At age 16, this is quite a feat. They could sing well in that style, too!”

Willowbrook world language teacher Cristy Hebreard said the dedication Kathleen and Julia have to giving 100 percent in everything they do is what makes them stand out.

“I have only known Kathleen as a student this year, as she and Julia are enrolled in my Spanish 4 Honors class,” Hebreard said. “She is a respectful, intelligent, kind, talented and helpful young woman, who I am honored to know. It doesn't surprise me, though, that there is no way we could not give them both this award at the same time. I have watched their performances on stage, and I marvel at their ability to transform into the characters they are playing. I know they are going to make a name for themselves outside of Willowbrook. I cannot wait to one day say, ‘I knew them when …’”

Kathleen plans to attend Eastern Michigan University or University of Indianapolis, where she will pursue a degree in music therapy.

• 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. They receive an 88’s Best glass sculpture and a certificate to a local restaurant.

Click here to read about Julia Cicero