Willowbrook names March recipient of 88's Best recognition

Mira Staykova has been named as Willowbrook’s March recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her service work. Staykova, a senior, was recognized during the March 24 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

As a student, Staykova has taken eight Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a variety of honors courses. She has maintained a ranking within the top fifth percentile of her class and is a member of the National Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society, the Math Honor Society and Civitas (Willowbrook’s social studies honor society). She is a member of numerous clubs such as Key Club, Model UN, Mock Trial, Math Team, O Ambassadors, Philosophy Club, New Beginnings and Student Council.

Staykova also gives back outside of school. She shares her knowledge and love of the Bulgarian culture by volunteering at a school. She also is a math tutor and is an employee of Bonyogrt Frozen Yogurt and a banquet server at Villa Nova.

“In my two years as a Student Council sponsor, I have had the pleasure of working with Staykova in her role as Class Secretary of the Class of 2014,” said Jamie Gourley, Willowbrook literacy teacher and Student Council sponsor. “During those two years, she has been a leader in a variety of Student Council service activities such as the organization and facilitation of the biannual blood drives. She also is a lead student in organizing the Senior Service Project, which is a project to encourage all seniors to dedicate school and community service hours as their legacy to Willowbrook. She also was a lead student organizer for the Warrior Project-Holiday Gift Drive … and has given much of her time in service to Willowbrook through Student Council-sponsored events. One of the best character traits of Staykova’s dedication to service and helping others is her ability to encourage her peers to become involved in service activities as well. Her passion, enthusiasm and spirit are contagious, which is what makes her work so important. Rather than work in isolation, she strives to promote service activities in which everyone can be involved.”

Willowbrook literacy teacher and Key Club sponsor Megan Derricott agreed.

“Staykova has been an active member of Key Club during her four years at Willowbrook and was elected to be vice president of the club by her peers for this school year,” Derricott said. “She has been a tremendous leader by exemplifying what it means to serve the community. She has been involved in almost every service opportunity this year and has gone above and beyond by stepping up to lead students when needed. She specifically has volunteered time to Feed My Starving Children, the CROP Walk, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, various Kiwanis Club events, and she was a key organizer of the food drive and Battle of the Bands fundraiser. Staykova’s enthusiasm for service (and life in general) is infectious and is able to brighten up a room the moment she walks in. Her positive attitude and commitment to help others make her a wonderful leader, and I have no doubt she will accomplish amazing things.”

Staykova has been accepted to Northwestern University in the School of Education and Social Policy. She plans to study human development and psychology or social policy and hopes to have a career in foreign service.

• 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. Students are honored each month during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in the areas of academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work and performing arts/electives.