Willowbrook names January recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Sarah Ball has been named as Willowbrook’s January recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her stellar involvement in extracurricular activities. Ball, a senior, was recognized during the Jan. 30 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch her 88’s Best presentation, click on the video above.

As members of the class of 2023 prepare to complete their high school career and consider the legacy they will leave behind, Ball is a shining example of what we hope Willowbrook Warriors aspire to accomplish. From academic achievements to participation and leadership outside the classroom, Ball demonstrates a passion and commitment to succeed, while providing encouragement and support to all who know her.

Academic achievements:

• Completed eight Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as multiple honors, college-credit earning and dual-credit courses
  
  
• Inducted into the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Civitas (Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society), World Language Honor Society and Math Honor Society
  
  
• Named as an AP Scholar with Honors
  
  
• Named as a State Scholar
  
  
• Named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career
  
  
• Recognized as an Outstanding Student for the Science Department

Involvement at Willowbrook:

• Member of Best Buddies (a club dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities)
  
  
• Member of Student Council
  
  
• Member of Blew Crew (a club to promote spirit and pride for all Willowbrook athletics and activities)
  
  
• Captain of the Girls Gymnastics, Girls Track & Field and Girls Flag Football teams

• Received the following athletic recognitions:
  • All-Conference for gymnastics and track & field
  • Conference champion in multiple events
  • Qualified for Sectionals in gymnastics
  • USA Track & Field national qualifier
  • National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter’s Scholar-Athlete Award, which recognizes students for excellence on the football field, in the classroom and in the community
  • #65 Honor Roll winner, which is an award created in conjunction with the Patrick Mannelly Award to honor high school athletes throughout the Chicago area who best exemplify excellence, integrity, effectiveness, teamwork and balance
  • Featured during the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” show, where she was named as the NFL FLAG Player of the Week for demonstrating proper playing technique
  • Helped the Flag Football Team to a tremendous and historic first season, during which the team won the inaugural Chicago Bears Girls Flag State Championship, Regionals and competed at the NFL FLAG Championships at Pro Bowl

Community involvement:

• Volunteers regularly with her church
  
  
• Volunteers to assist students who have developmental disabilities

Future plans:
Ball plans to attend Case Western Reserve University to study nursing and continue her athletic career.

Staff member comments:

“There is no question Ball is a great athlete, but what sets her apart from most athletes is her work ethic, grit and selflessness on and off the field. I have been so honored to start something new (through the Girls Flag Football Team) at Willowbrook with Ball’s help. She is a changemaker and will continue to do so long after she leaves us.”

- Rachel Karos, Willowbrook physical education teacher, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator and Girls Flag Football Team Co-Head Coach 

“I have had the extreme fortune of coaching Ball this season. I cannot quantify the impact she has had on me, our flag football program, the sport of flag football, our school and our community. In 16 years of coaching, I have never coached such a unique combination of intelligence, talent, work ethic and personability that Ball possesses.”

- Nick Hildreth, Willowbrook Learning Services Department Head, Girls Flag Football Team Co-Head Coach and Football Head Coach

“Although this award is for extracurriculars and athletics, the qualities that make Ball successful in that area also show through in the classroom, where I see her. Ball does not back down from challenges in her choice of coursework. She is currently enrolled in two Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level science courses and earned As in both first semester. In class, she takes responsibility for her improvement seriously by maintaining her focus and putting in the time and effort that lead to successful outcomes. Her exemplary work ethic is fueled by the energy and passion for success she brings to class each day. Finally, showing her true Warrior spirit, Ball consistently supports her classmates and volunteers to help others find success.”

- Sara Phillips, Willowbrook science teacher

“Ball is an exceptional student, who is motivated, hardworking and committed to striving for personal excellence every day. She is truly representative of the Warrior Code and Warrior Pride.”

- Portia Ransom, Willowbrook English Department Head

“It’s easy to describe Ball. As an athlete, she’s determined, stubborn, gifted, competitive and crazy hardworking. And the opposite can be said about Ball the person. She is kind, compassionate, friendly, honest, respectful and funny. Ball has all the attributes of what a leader needs to change the world. We all look forward to that day.”

- Robert (Bob) Krawczykowski, Willowbrook Student Supervisor

“Ball represents EVERYTHING that a true Willowbrook Warrior is. She is as fierce in the competitive arena of sports as she is kind, caring and thoughtful in the classrooms and hallways of our school. There could not be a better person than Ball in representing our school in a myriad of ways, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to be her teacher and get to know this exceptional human being.”

- Matt Clapper, 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.