Addison Trail names April recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Cami E. Whitaker (pictured above, with Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews) has been named as Addison Trail’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Whitaker, a senior, was recognized during the April 11 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch her 88’s Best presentation, click on the video above.

“I would consider the biggest influences on my life to be my parents, gymnastics coaches and teachers,” Whitaker said. “My parents are the most tenacious and kindhearted people I know. They have raised seven children, while owning a small business – which is no easy task. They have faced many hardships, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and a fire at their business just this past August. They remained optimistic through everything and worked even harder to reopen their doors. They have been the best support system and set the ultimate example for my siblings and me. When you spend as much time as I do in the gym, you become very close with your coaches. My coaches taught me how to be a persistent and forward-thinking person through multiple injuries and surgeries. Most importantly, they taught me how to accept and learn from my failures. I also have been extremely grateful for the support of my teachers through these unprecedented times. Their passion for teaching and connection to their students have truly made an impact on all of us.”

Academic and extracurricular achievements:

  • Named as a State Scholar
  • Named to the Honor Roll all four years of her high school career
  • Named as AT’s Best

Involvement at Addison Trail:

  • Math Team
  • Marching Band

Community involvement:

  • Club gymnastics (trains 20 hours a week as a level 10 gymnast)
  • Coaches gymnastics and babysits on the weekends

Future plans:

  • Whitaker plans to attend Cornell University’s College of Engineering, with the intention of majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in robotics.
  • While Cornell University doesn’t award merit aid or athletic scholarships, Whitaker received a financial package to compete for the Women’s Gymnastics Team.
  • Whitaker hopes to pursue a career in the robotics field, working on innovative technology.

“Growing up in gymnastics, you are constantly trying to reach ‘perfection,’” Whitaker said. “This perfectionism has translated to many other aspects of my life, especially school. I have always been motivated to have perfect grades, a perfect GPA, etc. I have always been fascinated by the advancement of technology and curious as to how many benefits of technology we have yet to explore. That curiosity has grown into a desire to be a part of the team behind these advancements, which motivated me to do well in school to further my education.”

Staff member comments:

“Whitaker was an absolute joy to have in Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level English Language and Composition last year. She consistently participated with her Zoom camera on and was eager to discuss the readings we were analyzing. Her thoughtful contributions demonstrated nuanced understandings of the texts at hand and highlighted her close, critical reading skills. Whitaker’s essays consistently stood out from those of her classmates, because they were clear, concise, well-organized and well-supported arguments and analyses. When she was sidelined by a medical issue, Whitaker didn’t miss a beat (or a class for that matter). She kept pushing herself to complete her work and get the most out of class. Her determination and tenacity are her calling card and will serve her well as she heads off to college.”

- Amy Ferraro, Addison Trail English Department Head

“Whitaker has been one of the most extraordinary students I have worked with in my career. Her continued work ethic, along with her dedication to both her academics and athletics, will put her on a path for great success at Cornell University and beyond!”

- Kevin Redding, Addison Trail Director of Guidance

“Whitaker is AMAZING! She is a highly focused young woman, who is a role model for her peers. Whitaker always has her goals in mind, and I am so excited to hear about the impressive feats she will accomplish after graduation.”

- Kira Bonk, Addison Trail science 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.