Addison Trail names March recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Left: Pictured is Addison Trail senior Gabriela Mendoza, who has been named as the school's March recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding work in the performing arts/electives. Right: Mendoza (pictured third from left in the second row from the top) is recognized as Addison Trail's March recipient of 88’s Best recognition during the District 88 Board of Education meeting on March 22.

Gabriela Mendoza has been named as Addison Trail’s March recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding work in the performing arts/electives. Mendoza, a senior, was recognized during the March 22 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To listen to her 88’s Best presentation, click the audio file above.

Mendoza joined theatre during her freshman year at Addison Trail – and she initially said no to attending the first theatre meeting. But she decided to go to the meeting, and the rest is history – she is the first junior at Addison Trail to be President of the school’s Thespian Troupe, and she is a true leader in the program.

Often when watching a performance, what one notices is the actors on stage and the scenery. It’s easy to get swept up in the visual aspects of theatre and art and forget about the talent that manages everything coming together. Mendoza’s talent and creativity have helped shape the Addison Trail Theatre Department for the past four years. While she isn’t an actor on stage, without her work, the show cannot go on.

Involvement at Addison Trail:

  • Theatre (She also was selected to participate in the 2020 Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF) All-State production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida,” where she served as a member of the crew.)
  • National Honor Society
  • Student Council (where she serves as Philanthropist)
  • Member of various clubs throughout her high school career

Academic achievements:

  • Straight-A student
  • Completed 10 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses
  • Completed eight Honors courses
  • Named to the Honor Roll each semester of her high school career
  • Enrolled in the highest-level math classes offered at Addison Trail

Future plans:

  • Mendoza has been accepted to Illinois State University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Ball State University, Calvin University, DePaul University, Michigan Technological University, Loyola University Chicago, Northern Illinois University and Penn State.
  • Mendoza is waiting to hear from Yale University, Columbia University and Cornell University.
  • Mendoza plans to major in stage managing or biomedical science.
  • Mendoza wants to spend her university years traveling, studying abroad and seeing the world.

Staff member comments:
“Mendoza is by far one of the brightest, strongest, most independent and driven students I have had. She did not let the pandemic stop her, and she really motivated the AT Theatre community to keep producing art despite the multiple challenges. She is always up for a challenge, and she will change the world. Mendoza also has a strong ability to mentor other students. I have never worked with a student as thorough and respectful as Mendoza. I also would like to highlight her ability to stage manage. Calling cues (lights/sound/scenery/flys/etc.) is an art form, and Mendoza has perfected it. She truly understands the art of a performance and how to coordinate all aspects in an artistic manner. If she wants, she will be calling shows on Broadway someday!”

-Anna McSweeney, Addison Trail Theatre Director and English teacher

“Having worked with Mendoza on several musicals, she has demonstrated her total commitment to the Addison Trail Theatre program. She is dedicated, responsible, dependable and just a great student!”

- LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer, Addison Trail Theatre Choreographer and social studies teacher

“I had Mendoza in class in the fall, and she instantly separated herself from her peers. Mendoza was not only a natural at a very difficult subject, but she worked incredibly hard as well. I am saddened I did not have the opportunity to teach Mendoza in person, because I can tell she would be a strong leader in any class she takes. She balances so much, and on top of it all, she stays organized and never misses a beat (including one of the most impressive homemade planners I have ever seen). It didn’t take long for me to see Mendoza would earn the 88’s Best award someday, and I'm glad that day has arrived!”

- Ryan Peronto, Addison Trail social studies teacher

“Mendoza is simply amazing. Her maturity and intellect put her on another level compared to her classmates. I know she is very deserving of this recognition in Performing Arts, but I will add Mendoza is one of our all-stars in Publications. She is a strong leader in our class and a beautiful writer. Once Mendoza is assigned something, I never have to worry about the quality of work. She has an incredible work ethic and approaches everything with care.”

-Jessica Clark, Addison Trail English teacher and yearbook adviser

  • 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.