Addison Trail remembers a true Blazer

To view photo captions, click on the images above.

It is with great sadness we share the news that Addison Trail student Joseph “Joey” Banks (pictured above, at left) passed away on Aug. 23.

Joey was a member of the class of 2023 and planned to attend the District 88 Transition Program next year, which helps individuals ages 18 to 21 who have a variety of abilities learn life skills, obtain job training in a community setting and transition to life after District 88. He had started developing these skills with Addison Trail vocational coaches by working at Clarendale of Addison. He was a true Addison Trail Blazer in every sense of the word and made an impact throughout our school community.

Joey was involved in our Best Buddies club (which creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with a variety of abilities) and our Pay It Forward/Freshmen Orientation event, and he enjoyed his grand welcome to Addison Trail. Joey was one of those students who everyone knew and loved. His warm personality had a positive effect on all those around him, and he always had a smile on his face.

Our thoughts and hearts are with Joey’s family and friends, and we will continue to help each other through this difficult time. Our social workers, psychologists and counselors are available for those who need support.

To honor, celebrate and remember Joey, students and staff participated in a variety of events. Those include members of our Girls Volleyball Team wearing green ribbons (which is the color associated with cerebral palsy awareness) during their Aug. 24 game against Maine East, student performance groups wearing green ribbons during our first home football game of the season on Aug. 26, staff and students wearing green on Aug. 26 (including during the class of 2023 Senior Sunrise event) and student council decorating the commons area in green. Students, staff and fans also participated in a “green out” during the football game. To view photos from those events, see the photo gallery above.

Details regarding services for Joey can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/2hmtx7m8.

Joey will forever be missed and will always be part of the Addison Trail family.

With Blazer Pride,
Jack Andrews
Addison Trail Principal