Willowbrook names March recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Katherine Wentworth (pictured above, with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause) has been named as Willowbrook’s March recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding work in the performing arts/electives. Wentworth, a senior, was recognized during the March 21 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch her 88’s Best presentation, click on the video above.

As a student, Wentworth has consistently pursued the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of her high school career, she will have completed 11 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as multiple honors and college-credit-earning classes. Wentworth credits the support of her family, friends and teachers for her success and accomplishments throughout her high school career.

Academic and extracurricular achievements:

  • Earned Distinction Honor Roll status each semester of her high school career
  • Departmental award winner for physical education
  • National English Honor Society inductee
  • Math Honor Society inductee
  • World Language Honor Society inductee
  • Civitas (Social Studies Honor Society) inductee
  • Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society inductee
  • Received the Human Relations Award (students who earn this award are recognized for their attention to cultural diversity and human dignity and for reinforcing that behavior in all they do for Willowbrook and surrounding communities)
  • Received the Outstanding Freshman Award for music

Involvement at Willowbrook:

  • National Honor Society (NHS)
  • International Thespian Society
  • Show choir (CenterStage)
  • Speech Team (served as an event head to mentor new team members and qualified to compete at the Regional and Sectional levels each year)
  • Theatre (served as a member of the cast and/or crew and/or as a stage manager each year of 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

Future plans:

  • Wentworth plans to continue her education at The University of Utah and major in political science.

Staff member comments:

“I honestly can't think of where to start when explaining why Wentworth deserves this award, because her work is exemplary in EVERY area! So, I will start at the beginning! I have known Wentworth for about eight years; my work with her began in the extracurricular theatre program at Willowbrook. As a child, Wentworth participated in our summer youth theatre camp. Upon arriving at Willowbrook, she became an active member of our theatre program, as a stage manager, as an actor and as a member of the International Thespian Society. These superior skills also translated into multiple leadership positions in the theatre program. Along with her acting talents (which are innate), she is an amazing student director and an exceptional stage manager. She is kind, encouraging, industrious and firm. As an assistant director, I feel confident allowing Wentworth to polish scenes, because I both trust her talent in that arena, and I trust her leadership ability and amazing interpersonal skills. As a stage manager, I have the utmost confidence delegating work to her that I know she will execute professionally. There is no doubt in my mind that she is always a strong contributor to any show’s success.”

- Regina Wathier, Willowbrook English teacher and Theatre Director

“Wentworth has been a great part of the YES! program for the past four years. One of her many amazing talents is to see a problem and work tirelessly to address it. Her focus on making sure all Warriors can get mental health support has been incredibly valuable to many of her peers. Wentworth is a wonderful example of our ‘One School, One Family’ attitude.”

- Pete Montgomery, Willowbrook social studies teacher

“Wentworth is an incredible musician. She is a leader in the soprano section in Concert Choir and in the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Wentworth qualified for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-District Choir her junior and senior years and is a frequent soloist. She is very dedicated to the choir and the music department. She will be truly missed when she graduates!”

- Karyn Wolcott, Willowbrook Music Department Head

“Wentworth is an excellent student and a talented young woman. But what makes her a star is her kind and generous heart. She is inclusive and considerate of everyone she comes in contact with. I have had the pleasure of knowing Wentworth since her freshman year, and her thoughtfulness shines through every time I see her. She has always impressed me with her confidence, observations and concerns over social issues. I wish you the best in your future adventures, and I know you will be the change we want to see in the world!”

- Maritza Francisco, Willowbrook social studies teacher

  • 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.