Willowbrook names February recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Pictured is Willowbrook senior Jack Carey (left), who has been named as the school's February recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding service work. He's pictured with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause.

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

Carey exemplifies the attributes and characteristics of a servant leader, who advocates for others with a passion and commitment that is second to none. Carey credits his sister and his family for instilling within him the desire to try everything and, more importantly, to advocate for and support others who might be unable to do so for themselves.

“Carey is one of the nicest people you will ever meet,” said Peg Browne, Willowbrook world language teacher. “He strives for excellence in his academics and strives to learn more about people, culture, current events and at the same time is kind and nice to everyone around him. These are rare qualities.”

As a student, Carey consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of his high school career, Carey will have taken eight Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of honors and dual-credit classes. As a result of his academic success, Carey has been a member of the Honor Roll throughout his high school career and is an inductee of National Honor Society, Civitas (Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society), World Language Honor Society and the National English Honor Society. He also has been recognized with the Outstanding Freshman Award, the Human Relations Award and the DECA Certificate of Excellence.

Beyond the classroom, Carey further commits his time and talents to a variety of events, clubs and activities at Willowbrook. He is an officer for and a state qualifier in DECA and is a member of Business Professionals of America, Improv Club and the Boys Volleyball Team. Carey also serves as a New Beginnings Board Member, a Student Ambassador and a member of Student Council. He is part of Willowbrook’s Student Board of Communications and helped organize and implement the School Safety Forum in March 2018, where about 400 student leaders from 28 Chicago-area high schools came together for a day of conversation and planning regarding school safety. During the District 88 Strategic Planning process, Carey assisted as a student leader. He also serves as a member of the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series at Willowbrook, promoting and supporting an inclusive and accepting learning environment for all students.

Outside of Willowbrook, Carey serves as an intern for State Rep. Deb Conroy and has led an anti-vaping campaign focused on direct messaging to youth. This has resulted in him testifying in Springfield to the state legislature and being highlighted by the local media. He also is a lifeguard and a swim instructor for younger children.

“When I first met Carey in my Spanish 4 Honors class last year, I knew I was going to love having him in class,” said Cristy Hebreard, Willowbrook world language teacher. “He was kind, friendly, intelligent, articulate, participated daily, always did his work and studied to make sure he was not only learning the language, but digesting it so he could become fluent. However, the more I got to know him, I recommended him for our Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series. Since then, he has taken a leadership role in a completely voluntary, service-type group and run with it. I have watched him in meetings and workshops and marvel at how the students just gravitate to him. Carey is so dedicated to helping others. He wants to make sure EVERYONE is included in every way. He has truly become a role model for those who want to help others. I am so proud of who he is, who he has become and what he is trying to do to remind people to help others always. Thank you for showing us what it means to be a True Warrior.”

Carey’s plans for the future include attending Northern Arizona University, where he looks to pursue a law degree and a career as a juvenile judge, so he can further advocate for and support children.

• 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.