Willowbrook names April recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Pictured is Willowbrook senior Matas Masys (right), who has been named as the school's April recipient of 88’s Best recognition. He's pictured with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause.

Matas Masys has been named as Willowbrook’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding academic accomplishments. Masys, a senior, was recognized during the April 15 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch Masys’ 88’s Best presentation, click the video above.

As a student, Masys consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of his high school career, Masys will have completed 12 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of Honors courses. As a result of his academic success, Masys has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction and a State Scholar, has received the Outstanding Freshman Award and Outstanding Student Award for the Science Department and has been named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of his high school career. He also has earned State Commendation toward Biliteracy recognition and is an inductee of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, World Language Honor Society and Civitas (Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society).

Beyond the classroom, Masys is a celebrated member of the Boys Basketball Team, earning All-Conference and All-Area recognitions. He has served as Team Captain and was honored for scoring 1,000 points throughout his varsity high school career. He is the second player in school history to reach that accomplishment. Masys also serves as a Physical Education (PE) Leader and a New Beginnings Leader, supporting ninth-grade students in their transition to and throughout their freshman year. Masys can be found volunteering regularly throughout Willowbrook and in the community as well.

“When I first met Masys during his eighth-grade course selection appointment, he was committed to being challenged at the highest level, was ready to be a Warrior and was so polite and respectful,” said Willowbrook Counselor Lourdes Pina. “I usually don’t remember my meetings years later, but I remember his. He is always gracious and has super good manners. He is very deserving of this recognition, and I know Masys will continue to soar.”

Willowbrook English Department Head Brett Blair agreed.

“Masys, though he is extremely math and science minded, is a quiet force in his AP English Literature and Composition classroom,” Blair said. "He has a fluid, vibrant writing style that will surely underscore his skills in engineering or any other field he is considering in his future. He has truly been a pleasure to have in class, and his unassuming nature truly shows what a genuinely kind and good person he is. Masys will be missed next year, and I am proud to see him recognized for 88’s Best!”

Willowbrook substitute teacher John Price said Masys’ work ethic and drive are what make him stand out.

“Masys is an amazing young man, who truly exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete,” Price said. “His academic credentials are outstanding, as he has been accepted to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as both a student and as an athlete to play basketball. He is a humble young man, who shows compassion and concern for others and will always step up when the need arises. Masys definitely personifies what being a Warrior truly means.”

Masys will attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he plans to pursue a degree in engineering and will continue his basketball career.

• 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 seniors 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.