Addison Trail names October recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Joanna Villalobos has been named as Addison Trail’s October recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her academic accomplishments. Villalobos, a senior, was recognized during the Oct. 20 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

During her four years at Addison Trail, Villalobos has received an “A” grade in every single course she has taken. She has taken 11 honors courses, six Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and is enrolled in seven AP courses this year.

“As a freshman, Villalobos worked consistently toward excellence in her reading analysis and writing practice,” said Patricia Subers, Addison Trail English teacher. “She was an example to her peers!”

Addison Trail math teacher Natalie Stach Wilen agreed.

“Villalobos is the only girl in the AP Calculus BC class and has the highest average!” Stach Wilen said. “She also rocks on Math Team.”

Villalobos has purposely given herself a difficult class schedule and maintains her grades and dedication to everything she does. She is not just dedicated to her studies – she also is a leader and a true thinker.

“Perhaps the most conscientious student I have ever encountered, Villalobos is destined to accomplish spectacular feats because she is that rare example of a teenager who fully maximizes her potential in every way,” said Steve Bruns, Addison Trail English teacher. “Each and every day throughout her career at Addison Trail, she squeezes every last drop from every opportunity she encounters. When a student like Villalobos comes along, as a teacher, you just hope you can at least nudge her toward the fantastic things that await her.”

Villalobos also has been highly involved in various clubs and sports during high school. She has been on the tennis team all four years and says she “loves team bonding through sports. She has participated in numerous clubs as well and has been a leader in many of them.

Villalobos attributes her success to her older sister and her mom.

“My sister, Carmelita (a 2014 Addison Trail graduate), always kept me on track and reminded me to do things, and my mom would drive me all over and be on top of me to get things done.”

After graduation, Villalobos plans to attend college and major in engineering. She is still undecided about which school she will attend, and she is applying to many different schools.