Addison Trail names January recipient of 88's Best recognition

Eric Gilliam has been named as Addison Trail’s January recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his academic achievements. Gilliam, a senior, was recognized during the Jan. 26 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

Gilliam is ranked in the top 1 percent of his graduating class. His outstanding performance in the classroom has earned him a place on the Distinction Honor Roll all four years of his high school career, two AT’s Best awards and acknowledgment as an AP Scholar with Distinction and an Illinois State Scholar. Gilliam’s academic accomplishments were achieved while taking the most rigorous courses offered at Addison Trail. When he graduates, Gilliam will have taken 12 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and 11 honors courses.

Gilliam said as a young student, his parents set high expectations for him. As he got older, the motivation came from within. Gilliam knew his grades in high school would be part of his permanent transcript for all to see. His internal motivation also was inspired by his competitive nature. Gilliam’s desire to be the best in the athletic arena transferred to the classroom as well. He looked at every class as a competition, and he always wanted to have the highest grade in the class.

“Gilliam was a dream to teach, demonstrating his intellectual gifts on a daily basis,” said Laura Magnavite, Addison Trail social studies teacher. “He was a star in our class activities and simulations, in which he took on a variety of roles. His passion for learning and enthusiasm were infectious and, as a result, Gilliam helped to raise the level of his peers’ work and also inspired me to push the class further.”

Equally as impressive are Gilliam’s extracurricular accomplishments. He is Lettermen Club President, Class of 2015 Vice President, former Student Council Philanthropist and a Student Advisory Board member. Gilliam also has participated in Spanish Club, Psychology Club, Math Team, Business Professionals of America, Student Ambassadors, Key Club, Homecoming Committee and Prom Committee.

But Gilliam takes on more than just being a member of a club – he thrives in being a leader. Nowhere is that more evident than in athletics. Gilliam is a three-sport athlete in football, wrestling and baseball. He was Captain of the football team this fall and is extremely proud to have helped lead the team to its first-ever 7-0 start to the season. He also was recognized as All-Conference in 2013 and 2014 and was named to the DuPage County All-Area Team and as West Suburban Conference Gold Division Defensive Player of the Year. This winter, Gilliam has chosen to try something new by moving from basketball to wrestling. He will wrap up his high school athletic career as Captain of the baseball team.

Gilliam is still deciding which college he will attend, but he is focused on studying finance or economics. He has been accepted to The University of Chicago and University of Notre Dame and is waiting to hear back from Princeton University, Harvard University, Stanford University and University of Pennsylvania.

• 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.