Willowbrook names January recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Left: Pictured is Willowbrook senior Grace (Gracie) Tumilty, who has been named as the school's January recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her stellar involvement in extracurricular activities. Right: Tumilty (pictured second from left in the bottom row) is recognized as Willowbrook's January recipient of 88’s Best recognition during the District 88 Board of Education meeting on Jan. 25.

Grace (Gracie) Tumilty has been named as Willowbrook’s January recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her stellar involvement in extracurricular activities.

Tumilty, a senior, was recognized during the Jan. 25 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To listen to her 88’s Best presentation, click the audio file above.

As a student, Tumilty consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of her high school career, she will have completed nine Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, dual-credit courses and a multitude of honors courses. As a result of her academic success, Tumilty has been recognized as a National AP Scholar, Outstanding Student of the Physical Education Department and has been named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career. Tumilty also is an inductee of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Civitas (Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society).

“Tumilty is truly one of Willowbrook and District 88's finest,” said Brett Maguire, Willowbrook Social Studies Department Head. “As a freshman, Tumilty was dedicated from the start to be her best. In AP Human Geography, she excelled – not always because concepts came to her easily, but because she strove to understand. She truly had a passion for excellence and doing all she could to perform at the highest level. This continued throughout her freshman year and beyond, as she has never ceased to focus on self-improvement and to achieve her full potential. It is an honor to have taught her and help guide her along her journey.”

Beyond the classroom, Tumilty commits her time and talents to a variety of teams, events, clubs and activities at Willowbrook. She is a visible leader throughout the school as a member of Blue Crew, the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series and as a PE Leader. Tumilty also is a multi-sport athlete and has competed in volleyball, basketball and soccer, serving as a captain for each. In soccer, she has been recognized as an IHSA All-Sectional Honorable Mention and was named to the All-Conference Team in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division. She earned All-Conference honors for basketball her sophomore year as well. These recognitions preceded an injury that forced Tumilty to miss portions of her junior seasons, but she has returned to competition as a varsity tennis player this year (her fourth sport) and looks forward to competitions this spring to conclude her high school career.

“Tumilty is a phenomenal athlete across several sports,” said Mary Doro, Willowbrook Learning Services teacher and coach. “However, what sets her apart is her determination and ability to work with anyone on and off the field. She is a true leader and great teammate, adapting to fit others’ style of play. She is extremely coachable and a privilege to work with.”

Willowbrook physical education teacher Amy Stark agreed.

“Tumilty has been a leader in my Freshman PE class all year,” Stark said. “She is an outstanding role model for all students, but especially the younger ones during this time of remote learning. Tumilty always has her camera on, is willing to answer questions and serves as an example during class demonstrations without hesitation. She is not afraid to speak up or to discuss struggles she might have had learning via Zoom, and she even gives suggestions to help others who might be having the same issues. Tumilty is an outstanding leader and role model on the court, on the field and in the classroom.”

Willowbrook social studies teacher and Girls Soccer Team Coach Pete Montgomery said what makes Tumilty stand out is her drive and willingness to learn.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to coach Tumilty in the soccer program,” Montgomery said. “She is one of the fiercest competitors I have coached in my 27 years. What makes her unique and special is in addition to that competitiveness, she also is humble, kind and has a great sense of humor. Above all that, what makes her the most fun to coach has to be the way she shows absolute joy in learning, working, improving and playing the game. She is an excellent representation of District 88!”

Tumilty plans to apply to University of Notre Dame, Grand Valley State University, University of Dayton, Carthage College and Carroll College, where she looks to continue her athletic career and study biology, while considering a career in medicine or education.

• 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 students 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.