Addison Trail names November recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Pictured is Addison Trail senior Britney Galeana, who has been named as the school's November recipient of 88’s Best recognition. She's pictured with Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden.

Britney Galeana has been named as Addison Trail’s November recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her highly improved performance. Galeana, a senior, was recognized during the Nov. 18 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch Galeana’s 88’s Best presentation, click the video above.

Galeana’s life in U.S. schools started in fifth grade, when she moved to Addison from Acapulco, Mexico, to live with her aunt. She didn’t speak English, and she fought to find a sense of belonging. She struggled to adjust to the language, the new culture and a fractured family; even now, she looks on that time as incredibly difficult and uncertain. But eventually, Galeana found her support system in a place she didn’t expect – school. Galeana entered Addison Trail in the English Learner program, but quickly exited into mainstream classes.

“Galeana was one of my physics students last year, and I still miss her positive attitude and her tenacity,” said Carolyn Erwin, Addison Trail science teacher. “While physics was not necessarily her favorite subject, Galeana always tried, and I am pretty sure she does not know the meaning of ‘quit.’ On the rare occasion she wasn’t in class, it was like a day without sunshine! I know she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to do, and that she will do it with her usual determination and poise.”

Addison Trail English teacher Katie Inzinga agreed.

“I have had the pleasure of having Galeana in both Creative Writing and Public Speaking during her tenure at Addison Trail,” Inzinga said. “Galeana signed up for Creative Writing in 2017 to become a better writer, and she continually works toward this goal. I have never met a more kind, considerate, thoughtful young person in my years of teaching. She has such a positive outlook on life, and this positivity and radiance she exudes is contagious to those around her. I look forward to hearing about all the wonderful successes I know she is going to achieve in her future.”

Galeana succeeds outside of the classroom as well and has proven to be one of the most positive role models for her peers. She has participated in numerous activities and clubs, including Book Club, International Club, International Dance, Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series, Blazer Ambassadors, Student Council and the school’s student newspaper, Torch. Galeana is Sergeant at Arms for Student Council and has attended various leadership conferences and workshops throughout her four years at Addison Trail. She also is active in Addison Trail’s Pay It Forward (an event to welcome incoming students) and describes that group as the catalyst that got her involved in probably the most impactful club to her – Interact. Galeana is President of Interact and has made incredible efforts to help her peers, her school and her community. She credits Addison Trail Social Worker and Interact Club Advisor Jorge de Leon for encouraging her and pushing her to step up.

“Galeana is the high-energy, positive, intelligent, confident, outspoken leader, friendly, polite, hardworking, independent, strong young lady known for her recognizable and infectious laugh,” de Leon said. “Galeana got involved with Interact Club and the YES! group as a sophomore. I recall her sharing her story about being an ESL student and not allowing her accent to stop her from asking questions and speaking up. She has developed into one of Addison Trail’s most recognized leaders and all-around great role model, as she is involved in multiple clubs. It has been an honor to see Galeana become the responsible, hardworking and caring person she is. It was a ‘no brainer’ to accept Galeana as our Interact Club co-president this year! I also am very excited for Galeana, as she will travel to Costa Rica with District 88 and has paid for her trip entirely herself. I look forward to hearing great things about Galeana as she continues with her college plans!”

Galeana also credits three other legs of her support table – Addison Trail Library Aide Maryellen Marisie for encouraging her to read, Addison Trail social studies teacher and Interact Club Advisor Claire Sychta for helping her to fall more in love with her culture and Addison Trail student supervisor Frank Visconti for always giving her advice and suggestions.

Galeana’s next goal is to be accepted into the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Leadership Training program, and she hopes to study Human Resources for Business. She would love to continue in the spirit of where she began – paying it forward to people who don’t see in themselves what she sees.

• 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.