Willowbrook names February recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Emma Rattana (pictured at right, with Willowbrook Assistant Principal Dr. Jamie Gourley) has been named as Willowbrook’s February recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding service work. Rattana, a senior, was recognized during the Feb. 28 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch her 88’s Best presentation, click on the video above.

As a student, Rattana has consistently pursued the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook, and she performs at the highest level in all areas – from academics, to extracurriculars to service work.

Academic achievements:

  • Completed five Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as multiple honors and college-credit-earning courses
  • Serves as President of National Honor Society (NHS)
  • Inductee of National English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society and Civitas (Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society)
  • Earned Distinction Honor Roll status each semester of her high school career
  • Recognized with the Outstanding Freshman Award
  • Named as the Departmental Award winner for Music

Involvement at Willowbrook:

  • New Beginnings Board Member and Leader (a program where upperclassmen mentor freshmen and show them what it means to be a Willowbrook Warrior and assist them in adjusting to high school)
  • Member of Willowbrook’s Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) program, which strives to prepare students to recognize and learn from the diversity around them
  • Member of the Principal and Superintendent leadership teams
  • Student Council Secretary
  • Concertmaster for Orchestra (often serves as a student conductor for events such as the Outstanding Student Breakfast, Open House and Curriculum Showcase)
  • Member of the Badminton Team (serves as Captain)
  • Member of the Girls Golf Team (serves as Captain and qualified for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Girls Golf State Tournament)

Future plans:
Rattana will continue her education at Nova Southeastern University, where she plans to major in biology and minor in neuroscience.

Staff member comments:

“Rattana has been an integral part of the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) program for her four years at Willowbrook. She is always a voice of calm in times of chaos, a voice of wisdom in times of uncertainty, a voice of caring in times of stress. She is wise and insightful well beyond her years. The way she treats everyone with respect and positivity is an example we all should follow. She is very deserving of being recognized as one of District 88’s Best.”

-Willowbrook social studies teacher Pete Montgomery

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Rattana as her school counselor, through the golf program and as a New Beginnings Board Member. What I have most enjoyed is watching Rattana’s confidence grow throughout her four years. I’ve seen that growth academically, athletically and within the leadership roles she has taken on throughout her high school journey. Rattana has impacted so many areas of Willowbrook High School with her involvement in areas of equity, service, peer mentorship and as a role model and leader.”

-Willowbrook School Counselor Scott Forcash

“Rattana is exactly the kind of student you want associated with any program or project you need to get done. She’s a leader and a team player. Rattana is the busiest student I know, yet when asked to take on more responsibilities, she does it with a smile and does it well. She’s reliable, honorable and extremely capable.”

-Willowbrook science teacher and badminton coach Eastman Tiu

“Rattana is a friendly and compassionate soul, who infuses positive energy into the classroom. She carries herself in such a noble manner and treats everyone with kindness and respect. She is poised to accomplish great things in this world.”

- Willowbrook social studies teacher Matt Clapper

  • 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.