District 88 remembers former Addison Trail English and journalism teacher

Pictured is former Addison Trail teacher William (Bill) Colosimo, who passed away on May 29.

It is with great sadness District 88 shares the news that former Addison Trail teacher William (Bill) Colosimo passed away on May 29 from complications related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Colosimo worked at Addison Trail from 1973 to 2003, teaching English and journalism and serving as adviser of the school’s student newspaper, Torch. He also was a founding member of the Illinois Journalism Education Association.

“Colosimo’s legacy in helping to build and expand our journalism program will live on for years to come and will continue to provide our students with tremendous opportunities,” said Dr. Scott Helton, District 88 Superintendent. “He will always be remembered for his ability to form positive, lasting relationships with students. If you were in one of his English classes, or if you were working for him on the newspaper, you were one of his kids. He cared for them, and they stayed in contact with him – even through retirement.”

Addison Trail English teacher Steve Bruns remembers Colosimo well, as he worked with Colosimo on the Torch and was selected as Colosimo’s successor to lead the newspaper starting in the 2003-04 school year to present day.

“Mr. Colosimo was a fantastic teacher and role model, who had a genuine care for his students and their well-being,” Bruns said. “Never have I encountered in my years in education as a student or a teacher a mentor who was as kind to his core. He taught his students to speak truth to power and never back down when faced with an obstacle to publishing information that was vital to the public interest. I doubt very much I would have ever entertained a career in journalism if not for the influence of Mr. C. And I know I would have never been in the position to succeed him as the Torch adviser if not for his tutelage, guidance and love. He was the kindest and sweetest soul I’ve ever encountered, and I – as well as all the journalism students he inspired – will never, ever forget him.”

Read more about Colosimo in a Daily Herald article by Steve Zalusky at https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200602/addison-trail-teacher-carried-torch-for-journalism-students.