Addison Trail names April recipient of 88's Best recognition

Pictured is Addison Trail senior Alyssa Ramos, who has been named as the school's April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. She's pictured with Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden.

Alyssa Ramos has been named as Addison Trail’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Ramos, a senior, was recognized during the April 9 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

Throughout her four years as a student at Addison Trail, Ramos has taken 11 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and 11 Honors courses, earning As in all of them.

“Ramos has impressed me since day one in AP Spanish!” said Sergio Nunez, Addison Trail Spanish teacher. “Her energy and attitude toward learning are so positive. She has an excellent ‘ear’ for the language, and her Spanish language speaking skill is top notch. She's cool, calm and composed – an ideal student!”

Although she excels in Spanish, Ramos said math is her favorite subject, as she likes to get definitive answers and enjoys crunching numbers.

“Ramos is an amazing student,” said Philip Stewart, Addison Trail math teacher. “She was able to grasp mathematical concepts much quicker than many of her peers, and her understanding wasn't superficial – it was much deeper. It is great to see someone who enjoys doing math and having a different outlook on the subject than most.”

Addison Trail science teacher Carolyn Erwin agreed.

“Ramos’ consistently positive attitude and willingness to help other students have helped to make AP Biology such a great class this year,” Erwin said. “No matter how busy she is with her umpteen activities, she comes ready to learn and always tries her best. She is a well-rounded young woman with a wide variety of interests and has been an absolute delight to teach.”

Along with her many academic achievements, Ramos also participates in extracurricular activities. She said she knows it’s important to be well-rounded and that being involved is key to a great high school experience. Ramos is extremely involved in music and loves to sing. She said she enjoys the ability to bring songs to life and has experienced a sense of family in choir, particularly with the performance group Shades of Blue. Ramos also is Treasurer of the Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society and participates in Theatre, Math Team and Blazer Ambassadors. She has received various honors for her work, including being named as AT’s Best, an Honorable Mention in the 2017-18 DuPage County Daily Herald Leadership Team program, an AP Scholar, a National Hispanic Scholar and a State Scholar.

Ramos has a younger brother, who will be a freshman at Addison Trail next year. She advises him and all underclassmen that being involved with extracurricular activities is extremely rewarding and critical to enjoying high school. She said sometimes freshmen are afraid to get involved or to ask questions of teachers, but she knows firsthand how willing staff members are to help students and how many benefits come from finding a club or a sport that fits.

Ramos has not yet decided where she will attend college, but at the top of her list is Loyola University Chicago, and she plans to major in biochemistry. Her intention is to pursue a pre-dental professional track and continue her interests in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field. She also would like to audition for an a cappella group to continue her love 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. 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.