Willowbrook names December recipient of 88’s Best recognition

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

Ayesha Baig has been named as Willowbrook’s December recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Baig, a senior, was recognized during the Dec. 16 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch Baig’s 88’s Best presentation, click the video above.

Being the first in your family to attend college in the U.S. is an accomplishment built on hard work, commitment and support. Baig exemplifies each of these, as she continuously exceeds expectations in all aspects of her work in and out of the classroom. She credits her accomplishments to the encouragement of her family and the responsibility she has to take advantage of every opportunity with which she's provided. As a student, Baig consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of her high school career, she will have completed 14 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of honors classes. Baig also has been named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career and is an AP Scholar with Distinction, a State Scholar and an inductee of Willowbrook’s National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Civitas (the school’s Social Studies Honor Society). She also received the Outstanding Freshman Award, the Human Relations Award and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Youth Leadership Summit Scholar Award.

Beyond the classroom, Baig commits her time and talents to a variety of organizations, clubs and activities at Willowbrook. She is a member of the Girls Track and Field Team, Theatre Tech Crew, Scholastic Bowl and Math Team (where she is a State qualifier), and she is Vice President of Key Club. She also supports her fellow classmates by serving as a New Beginnings Mentor and Board Member (which is a program that trains upperclassmen to assist freshmen with their transition to high school), a Student Ambassador and a PE Leader.

“(Baig) is amazing,” said Willowbrook math teacher Anna Lu. “She is one of the strongest students I've had in geometry over the last five years. She is so dedicated to her education and the pursuit of her dreams. She is insightful, hardworking and lets nothing get in her way. When she decided to join Math Team, I was beyond excited to have her talent added to the mix. To put it simply, (Baig) is a rare jewel.”

Willowbrook science teacher Mike Warren agreed.

“(Baig) is a joy to have in class,” Warren said. “Not only is she an amazing student, but she has a genuine interest in learning and is intellectually curious. She is always engaged in class discussions, actively questioning and thoughtful. She makes the classroom a better place and has the respect of her peers and faculty. I am confident she will do amazing things after she graduates.”

Willowbrook Learning Services teacher and Girls Track and Field Coach Gary Walker said Baig’s empathy toward others is what makes her stand out.

“It is always a joy to watch (Baig) struggle through a tough workout, only to leave with a smile on her face and come back the next day for more,” Walker said. “Academics and effort aside, what really sets (Baig) apart is her sincere, confident personality. After spending three seasons (and a soon-to-be fourth) with (Baig), I know she is going to be extremely successful at any university she chooses to attend.”

Baig’s plans for the future include pursuing a degree in medicine, and she has applied to The University of Chicago and Northwestern University.

• 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.