Supporting District 88’s mission: Meet four legislators with a connection to Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools

The mission of District 88 (Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools) is to work for the continuous improvement of student achievement, and the district is able to accomplish that mission through the support of its stakeholders, including state legislators.

Four local officials who took office earlier this month after recently being re-elected or newly elected have a special connection to District 88, as they are either alumni of the district or have students attending Addison Trail or Willowbrook. Meet those State Senators and State Representatives below.

Terra Costa Howard, State Representative (48th District)

Term: On Nov. 6, Costa Howard was elected to her first term.

Connection to District 88: Alumna of Addison Trail (class of 1989)

How did District 88 prepare you for your path to success? I was encouraged throughout my four years at Addison Trail by teachers like Ms. D’Ambrose, Mr. Meggenberg and Mr. Feese, as well as Principal Mr. Layne and Assistant Principal Mr. Sturm. They pushed us to view the world outside of our school and how we could make a difference.

Which sports/activities were you involved with while attending District 88? I served as Student Council President and was a member of National Honor Society, Class Board, Cheerleading, Blazettes and Orchesis.

What is your education background? Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in political science and speech communications, 1993; JD DePaul University College of Law, 1996

What is your career background? I am a solo practitioner and focus on working with families as a court-appointed guardian ad litem in both family court and probate court. My career began in 1996 as a staff attorney for the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in DuPage County. In 1998, I became an assistant public defender for DuPage County in the juvenile division.

Current residence: Glen Ellyn

Family: I am married to Nick Howard and have three daughters – Maddie, Libby and Molly.

Tom Cullerton, State Senator (23rd District)

Term: On Nov. 6, Cullerton was elected to his third term.

Connection to District 88: My three children – Riley (class of 2019), Jack (class of 2021) and Devin (class of 2022) – are students at Willowbrook. All three of my boys have had great educational and extracurricular opportunities. From multiple Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level and Honors courses to involvement in sports, theatre, music and social activities, they have been incredibly prepared for their next stage in life after high school.

What is your education background? Loyola Academy, The University of Kansas and U.S. Army

What is your career background? Route sales

Current residence: Villa Park

Family: My wife, Stacey, and three children – Riley, Jack and Devin

Deanne Mazzochi, State Representative (47th District)

Term: Mazzochi was newly appointed this past July and began her first full term in January.

Connection to District 88: Alumna of Willowbrook (class of 1990)

How did District 88 prepare you for your path to success? I had wonderful teachers who were incredibly caring, but also held me to high standards. I was grateful to be able to take a wide variety of classes, from math to chemistry to British literature, that stimulated my intellectual curiosity and love for learning that continues to this day.

Which sports/activities were you involved with while attending District 88? I was involved in Orchestra, Model UN, Yearbook, Stage Crew and Speech Team.

What is your education background? Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and chemistry, with a biology minor; JD with honors at The George Washington University

What is your career background? I am a small business owner. I have a law firm in Chicago that specializes in Life Sciences, with a focus in pharmaceutical patents.

Current residence: Elmhurst

Family: My husband, Tim, and our two wonderful children

Kathleen Willis, State Representative (77th District)

Term: On Nov. 6, Willis was elected to her fourth term.

Connection to District 88: I am an alumna of Addison Trail (class of 1980). My four children – Elyse (class of 2003), Heather (class of 2005), John (class of 2008) and Victoria (class of 2008) – also graduated from Addison Trail. District 88 provided my children with the ability to be well-rounded students, prepared for higher education.

How did District 88 prepare you for your path to success? Addison Trail gave me a strong base to succeed in college.

Which sports/activities were you involved with while attending District 88? Thespians, Library Club, Model UN, National Honor Society and Youth in Government

What is your education background? Bachelor of Arts degree in human service administration from Elmhurst College, and a master’s degree in library and information services from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

What is your career background? Librarian, education and politics

Current residence: Addison

Family: My husband, Tom, and four children – Elyse, Heather, John and Victoria