Addison Trail names February recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Pictured is Addison Trail senior Alexander Eddy (right), who has been named as the school's February recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding service work. He's pictured with Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden.

Alexander Eddy has been named as Addison Trail’s February recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding service work. Eddy, a senior, was recognized during the Feb. 24 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch Eddy’s 88’s Best presentation, click the video above.

As a high school student, it is often difficult to see the world around you, much less help it. But Eddy has done just that – his service to his community shows his deep personal interest in and responsibility to the world around him, and his genuine kindness is a model for other students and staff.

Eddy’s start in community service is not what one would expect. His mom brought him to a Girl Scouts meeting when he was in second grade, because she was the troop leader for the group. His sisters were involved, so he tagged along – and has felt the need to contribute ever since. He started there with Feed My Starving Children and visiting senior citizens; he felt welcomed and appreciated the opportunity to see the world from a different view – and he loved putting smiles on people’s faces. When Eddy came to high school, he began working with Key Club and UNICEF, but really found his niche in Interact Club. He is Co-President this year and has helped execute major events such as the Kermes (a Latino Food Festival) and raising funds for scholarships. He also has been a key leader in working with the DuPagePads homeless shelter, and he volunteers regularly to help clean beds and serve food to the homeless.

“In the short time Eddy has been involved in Interact Club, he has made significant contributions to his community, school and toward his peers,” said Jorge de Leon, Addison Trail Social Worker and Interact Club sponsor. “Eddy is Co-President of Interact Club, and he has been a role model, leader and doer. He attended the DuPagePads homeless shelter for two years straight and was a major leader in planning our annual Kermes event this year by guiding and directing our members. As a result, he helped raise $4,000 for student scholarships. Eddy is very dependable, reliable and kind in all his efforts in Interact Club. While we wish him the best after high school, I also recognize how hard it will be for someone to fill his shoes.”

Eddy’s community service also extends to his classmates. His persistence and perseverance led to the implementation of the E-Sports Club. He founded the club at Addison Trail, and more than 100 students showed up to the first meeting.

Addison Trail Guidance Counselor Shane Cole said Eddy’s willingness to go above and beyond to help others is what makes him stand out.

“Eddy was the reason E-Sports started at Addison Trail last year,” Cole said. “He approached me wanting to start the club. I said no, he persisted … and I can’t say no to Eddy. He did everything to set the club up – communicated with the company that runs the online service, contacted kids, communicated with me, etc. Eddy also has been a Guidance Department Office Assistant for the last two years. Guidance has been lucky to have him, and he has been a huge help. He often works as a liaison for new students when they transfer to Addison Trail. He takes new students to get IDs, to their locker, to the bookstore, etc. He is a friendly face for transfer students and provides a quality first impression for our student body.”

Along with the numerous service hours Eddy puts into his community, he also is President of the school’s Business Professionals of America (BPA).

“Eddy is a great kid,” said Joe Mahoney, Addison Trail Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher and BPA Co-Sponsor. “He is currently a Business Law student. I met Eddy back when he played freshmen football, and he was on our B team. Hard worker, always tried, always willing to learn, enjoyed being a good teammate to others. Eddy has maintained good grades all through high school. He is our BPA President, and he recently competed at the Illinois State Leadership Conference in two events. Eddy works at a local ice cream shop in Addison, helps out quite a bit at home and is simply a respectful, well-deserving, kind young man, who will do good things after his time here at Addison Trail.”

After he graduates in May, Eddy plans to attend Elmhurst College and major in business marketing. His dream is to travel the world and work in marketing internationally. During his tenure at Elmhurst College, he would like to be a student mentor/recruiter and study abroad to continue his dedication to service in other countries. Eddy also has a dream to join the Peace Corps and hopes to work in an African country.

• 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.