Addison Trail names April recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Pictured is Addison Trail senior Katerina Vassos, who has been named as the school's April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments.

Katerina Vassos has been named as Addison Trail’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Vassos, a senior, was recognized during the April 27 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To listen to Vassos’ 88’s Best presentation, click the audio file above.

Vassos is at the top of the highly competitive class of 2020. Throughout her high school career, Vassos has taken nine Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level classes and 11 honors courses, and she has excelled in all of them. Vassos has an incredibly supportive family network that constantly provides support, and she credits many teachers who have provided guidance as well. But Vassos also has an internal drive that won’t let her back down from a challenge.

“When facing a challenge academically, perhaps a lower grade than she anticipated or a particularly difficult analytical process to master, Vassos' setbacks were temporary,” said Jim Perusich, Addison Trail English teacher. “She would not wallow in failure or complain. She would, instead, respond with a vigorous and inspired effort to correct these temporary setbacks and emerge, once again, as one of District 88’s best.”

Addison Trail Math Department Head Jason Bugajsky agreed.

“I was one of the first teachers to meet Vassos, as she was the Captain on my freshman volleyball team,” Bugajsky said. “From day one, we grew to develop a great relationship and learned from each other. Her sophomore year, Vassos enrolled in my Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry Honors class. Again, she became a leader in class. I learned Vassos is a motivated young woman, who truly wants to learn. When confronted with difficult or abstract material, she is willing to put in the necessary time and effort to master the concepts on and off the court. Though her leadership skills are clearly visible in the classroom, they also can be seen in other extracurricular activities to which she is dedicated such as Yearbook, Student Council, the Girls Volleyball Team and serving as a PE Leader. Vassos has completed community service as a member of Pay It Forward, Go Pink or Go Home, Knights of Columbus and Volley for the Cure. Vassos puts in time and dedication to causes and activities she believes in.

Her example of motivation, leadership, heart and discipline in her studies makes her one of my favorite students.”

Along with her academic success, Vassos has made a point to be involved and pursue leadership positions with the activities in which she participates. Vassos is President of Student Council and the class of 2020, as well as Secretary of National Honor Society. She also is a member of Key Club, Blazer Ambassadors, the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) committee and Lettermen’s Club. Vassos played on the Girls Volleyball Team through her junior year. This year, she decided to return to her true love of dance and joined the Orchesis Team. Through her participation in these clubs, Vassos has completed various service activities within the community of Addison and has enjoyed getting to know and develop friendships with students whom she never would have met otherwise.

Vassos is interested in the medical field and plans to study Health Systems Management at DePaul University. She is interested in the backbone of the medical field and wants to be on the management side.

• 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.