Addison Trail names October recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Pictured is Addison Trail senior Parvathy Nair, who has been named as Addison Trail’s October recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. She's pictured with Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden.

Parvathy Nair has been named as Addison Trail’s October recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Nair, a senior, was recognized during the Oct. 21 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch Nair’s 88’s Best presentation, click the video above.

Nair has excelled in all subject areas and classes she has taken at Addison Trail. She has received As in all courses to date and will have completed 11 Honors courses and 12 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses when she graduates.

“Nair constantly strove for success in AP European History as a sophomore,” said Laura Magnavite, Addison Trail social studies teacher. “She wholly encompassed what an AP student should be: mature, motivated and meticulous. Her class participation and enthusiasm for learning made her a role model for her peers. She was truly a joy to have in class!”

Addison Trail English Department Head Amy Ferraro agreed.

“Nair is an extraordinary student, whose dedication to academics and determination to make a difference at Addison Trail are unparalleled,” Ferraro said. “She is a curious young lady, who devours books and consistently extends her own learning by seeking additional resources and materials beyond those presented in class. She is particular about her writing and revises her work tirelessly in her quest for perfection. As a member of our student body, Nair works to spread understanding and acceptance through her work with International Dance. Her kindness, compassion and positive nature make her a role model for her peers and an absolute pleasure to be around each and every day.”

Addison Trail world language teacher Kathleen McColaugh said Nair’s empathy toward others is what makes her stand out.

“In the four years I have known her, Nair has distinguished herself as a mature and responsible student, who sets high academic and personal goals for herself,” McColaugh said. “Nair has maintained Distinction Honor Roll status all four years and has demonstrated tremendous academic potential. As her rigorous academic schedule illustrates, Nair is a young woman of commitment and intelligence. But I am more impressed with her genuine desire to use her strengths to help others. Her kindness is a defining characteristic, and Nair perseveres not only for her benefit, but instead with the hopes of helping others. She has demonstrated this time and again in our community through her volunteerism in several organizations that take place here at school and outside of the building. Nair also has served as an active tutor in the World Language Resource Lab and accompanied me to Indian Trail Junior High School to help with articulation and bridge the transition from junior high to high school. Her service has been invaluable and is done with graciousness and knowledge. It has been a privilege to know and teach Parvathy Nair – she will be a student I fondly remember in years to come.”

Nair said her main inspiration is her parents, who moved to the U.S. from India before she was born. Nair knows how hard they have worked to provide a good life for their children, and she feels if she doesn’t apply herself fully to everything she does, she would be disrespecting what they’ve given. She also gives credit to her older sisters for paving the way.

Nair was named as “AT’s Best” her sophomore and junior years, she has been the Student of the Semester in the English Department twice, and she also has been the Student of the Semester in social studies. She is an Illinois State Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor and has been on the Distinction Honor Roll every semester.

Nair is not only a stellar student, but she participates in a number of clubs and activities as well. She is Co-President of Key Club and has been on the Key Club Board since her sophomore year. She also has a large role in the International Dance Show, serves as President of Chamber Orchestra and is a Blazer Ambassador. Nair has participated on the Girls Badminton Team, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Team, Math Team and Student Council as well.

Nair plans to apply to Northwestern University, DePaul University, Marquette University, Loyola University Chicago and Georgetown. She is looking to double major in economics and international affairs.

• 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.