Addison Trail names April recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Left: Pictured is Addison Trail senior Justine Audrey Bugante, who has been named as the school's April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Right: Bugante (pictured second from left in the bottom row) is recognized as Addison Trail's April recipient of 88’s Best recognition during the District 88 Board of Education meeting on April 12.

Justine Audrey Bugante has been named as Addison Trail’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Bugante, a senior, was recognized during the April 12 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To listen to her 88’s Best presentation, click the audio file above.

Bugante is very self-driven and motivated, but credits her family for their guidance and support. Her parents, both nurses, have emphasized the importance of a positive work ethic since she was a child, modeling how to have a successful career and family. Bugante’s grandparents also have served as role models – they emigrated from the Philippines and were both teachers. They helped her develop a love of learning that continues to influence her life.

Academic achievements:

  • Straight-A student
  • Completed 14 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses
  • Completed 11 Honors courses
  • AP Scholar with Distinction
  • National Merit Commended Scholar
  • Named to the Distinction Honor Roll all four years of her high school career
  • Recognized as the Student of the Semester in Science

Involvement at Addison Trail:

  • Has participated in Science Club, Math Team, Art Club, Psychology Club, Muslim Student Association, National Honor Society, Key Club and Science Olympiad
  • Member of the Girls Tennis Team (earned an All-Conference mention for her third-place finish in third singles)
  • Participated in the Abraham Lincoln Readers' Choice Award program and the Read for a Lifetime program each year of her high school career

Community service:

  • Volunteers with Feed My Starving Children
  • Volunteers at her church

Other activities/hobbies:

  • Plays piano and guitar
  • Reads every book she can get her hands on

Future plans:

  • Bugante plans to pursue a career as a nurse to combine her love of science and her love of helping people, and she is excited to explore the many options provided in the field of nursing.
  • Plans to attend Elmhurst University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois Wesleyan University or Loyola University Chicago

Staff member comments:
“Bugante is a bright young woman, who has always had a great work ethic and a positive attitude! She is an independent problem-solver, and I am sure she will go on to accomplish great things after graduation!”

- Kira Bonk, Addison Trail science teacher

“I am thrilled Bugante is our final selection for the 88's Best award this year, as she is more than deserving of this recognition. I have known Bugante all four years of her high school career, first as one of our most dedicated Science Club members and next as a student in AP Biology. Bugante immediately impressed me with her meticulous and accurate work in AP. She expertly managed her time and came to class prepared for discussions, labs and small-group work, all while carrying a very rigorous course load. I will miss her calm demeanor and funny sense of humor. She contributed so much to both class and our club, and I know she will continue to achieve great things as she transitions from high school to college. She wants to pursue a degree in nursing, and I know her future patients will benefit from her poise and capabilities.”

- Carolyn Erwin, Addison Trail science teacher

“Bugante has been an integral part of Science Olympiad. Her intelligence, dedication and hard work have led her to many achievements at our competitions. Don't let her soft-spoken nature fool you – she is observant and very much a participant in her own way. Bugante’s intrinsic motivation has benefitted her in many ways and is probably one of her most helpful attributes.”

- Aileen Sullivan, Addison Trail science teacher and Science Olympiad 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.