Willowbrook names October recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Pictured is Willowbrook senior Stacy Caeiro, who has been named as the school's October recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. She's pictured with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause.

Stacy Caeiro has been named as Willowbrook’s October recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Caeiro, a senior, was recognized during the Dec. 16 District 88 Board of Education meeting (she was unable to attend the Oct. 21 meeting). To watch Caeiro’s 88’s Best presentation, click the video above.

Caeiro has continuously exceeded expectations in all aspects of her work in and out of the classroom, and she said her brother has served as a role model for her throughout her life. As a student, Caeiro consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of her high school career, she will have completed 10 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of honors classes. Caeiro also has been named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career, and she is an AP Scholar with Honors, a State Scholar and an inductee of Willowbrook’s National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Civitas (the school’s Social Studies Honor Society). She also serves as President of Willowbrook’s Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society.

Beyond the classroom, Caeiro commits her time and talents to a variety of organizations, clubs and activities at Willowbrook. She is a member of Choir and Band, including Marching Band, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra and CenterStage (the school’s show choir). Caeiro also has participated in Model United Nations, Students for a Better Environment, Art Club, Science Olympiad, Speech Team and Math Team. She is a two-time State qualifier for Math Team, has been recognized as the first-chair clarinetist at the Midwest Music Festival and is a Regional qualifier for Speech Team. Beyond Willowbrook, Caeiro volunteers for her church and as an official and supervisor for the Village of Villa Park’s Parks & Recreation.

“(Caeiro) is an amazing young woman,” said Maritza Francisco, Willowbrook social studies teacher. “I had the pleasure of getting to know her during her freshman year, and she maintains a positive and cheerful attitude every time I see her in the halls and around the school. Her drive for personal excellence and thirst for knowledge impressed me then, and I know she has carried that throughout her years here at Willowbrook. She is an inspiring young lady, who will do well in her next academic institution. Thank you for being you!”

Willowbrook math teacher Carrie Skala agreed.

“(Caeiro) has been a leader on our Math Team for the past four years,” Skala said. “She is always willing to take on any competition that she is asked to participate in. She always has a smile on her face and is determined to find every answer to a math problem. (Caeiro) gets along with every student, and she has a positive attitude. From our Math Team interactions, I know she applies these same principles to her academics. She is truly deserving of this award.”

Caeiro’s plans for the future include applying to The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Middlebury College and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She plans to major in Environmental Science and pursue a career as a Conservation Biologist.

• 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.