Meet Willowbrook’s class of 2018 graduation speakers

Pictured are Willowbrook seniors Noah Kamm and Maria Luz Alcala, who will serve as the student graduation speakers during Willowbrook’s 59th commencement ceremony on May 20.

On May 20, Willowbrook seniors Noah Kamm and Maria Luz Alcala will address about 500 of their classmates as the student graduation speakers during Willowbrook’s 59th commencement ceremony.

Kamm was chosen to speak based on his academic standing, as he is ranked in the top 5 percent of the class of 2018. Alcala will speak as President of the class of 2018.

Kamm’s speech, entitled “Originality: Or why a potato is like a snake,” will remind his peers to take risks in life and to think outside of the box.

“I’m happy and honored at the opportunity to serve as one of the graduation speakers,” Kamm said.

Kamm is a National AP Scholar and has been named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of his high school career. He also is a recipient of the District 88’s Best award and is an inductee of Willowbrook’s National Honor Society, Civitas (Social Studies Honor Society), Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society and the Math, English and World Language honor societies. He is a member of Science Olympiad, Scholastic Bowl, Chess Club, the school newspaper and is a two-time state qualifier for the Math Team. Kamm is a member of the Willowbrook Jazz Band and Marching Band as well and has been part of the Crew and Pit Orchestra for theatre productions during his high school career. Kamm plans to attend Case Western Reserve University to major in math and physics.

Alcala’s speech, entitled “A letter to the class of 2018,” will provide a recap of accomplishments those students have achieved in the last four years.

“What I’ve learned most from Willowbrook is to be involved and take risks,” Alcala said. “Don’t be afraid to try something new and to make mistakes – that’s what helps you discover yourself.”

Alcala is one of the Willowbrook Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department’s Outstanding Seniors and is an inductee of Civitas, Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society. She also has served as Student Council President for three years and as an Ambassador for two years. During her time at Willowbrook, she also has been involved with Business Professionals of America (BPA), DECA, Hispanic Leadership Club and LAS ALMAS. In athletics, she has participated in volleyball, basketball, bowling, tennis and badminton (for which she was named to the All-Conference and All-Academic teams in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division). Beyond the classroom, Alcala has volunteered at the local food pantry and as a bell ringer for The Salvation Army. Alcala plans to attend The University of Iowa to pursue a major in business management and a minor in Spanish.

Willowbrook 59th commencement ceremony online
Can’t make it in person to Willowbrook’s 59th commencement ceremony on May 20? No problem! The graduation will be streamed live at 1 p.m. (CST) online at www.dupage88.net/wbgrad.