Addison Trail names September recipient of 88’s Best recognition
Pictured is Addison Trail senior Quincy Gunnerson (right), who has been named as Addison Trail’s September recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding academic accomplishments. He's pictured with Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden.
Quincy Gunnerson has been named as Addison Trail’s September recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding academic accomplishments. Gunnerson, a senior, was recognized during the Sept. 23 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch Gunnerson’s 88’s Best presentation, click the video above.
Academically, Gunnerson is in the top tier of students at Addison Trail. He has received As in every course he has taken during his high school career and will have completed 11 honors courses and 11 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses when he graduates. Gunnerson said his parents have encouraged him throughout his life and have motivated him to do well. His brother, Alexander (an Addison Trail alumnus from the class of 2017), also received the 88’s Best award and serves as friendly competition that drives Gunnerson to succeed. However, much of Gunnerson’s motivation comes from within.
“Gunnerson is a mature, brilliant, hardworking young man with an incredibly bright future ahead of him,” said Kira Bonk, Addison Trail science teacher. “I am so lucky to have taught him his junior and senior years. Gunnerson is a shining example to his classmates of someone who is ambitious, but not proud, and intelligent, but not condescending – a very rare combination!”
Addison Trail English Department Head Amy Ferraro agreed.
“Gunnerson was a standout student in AP Language last year,” Ferraro said. “He was consistent, prepared and thoughtful on a daily basis. I could always count on Gunnerson to contribute to class discussions in a way that moved the class forward and challenged his peers to think in new ways. He has a great sense of humor and is always personable and engaging when speaking with adults and classmates. His writing grew tremendously throughout the school year, because he was determined to improve his skills.”
Gunnerson also is involved with extracurricular activities at Addison Trail. He has participated in Business Professionals of America (BPA), Key Club, National Honor Society and serves as a Blazer Ambassador. But his favorite extracurricular activity is being a member of the Boys Track & Field Team. He also has a love of cars and is taking an auto class this year as one of his electives.
“Gunnerson is a model student-athlete,” said Jim Ziebka, Addison Trail Boys Track & Field Head Coach. “Not only does he put relentless effort into his academics, but he is an outstanding Track & Field athlete as well. No matter what our team needs, Gunnerson is always up to the task. He does a great job mentoring our younger student-athletes in practice, as he commits to excellence every day. He is always willing to help fundraise and volunteers for Kiwanis Peanut Day and the Northern Illinois Food Bank. We are all anxiously awaiting the start of the season to see what lies ahead for him. Gunnerson is one of those unique individuals who will be successful no matter what he decides to pursue. Addison Trail is a better place because of him.”
Gunnerson plans to apply to The University of Alabama, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Colorado Boulder and Indiana University and is looking to major in business. He is considering a future in finance, particularly in investment banking.
- 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.