Addison Trail names March recipient of 88's Best recognition

Edgar Flores has been named as Addison Trail’s March recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his service work. Flores, a senior, was recognized during the March 23 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

Flores is constantly involved at school and at his church. Whether it is serving as secretary of Addison Trail’s Interact Club, President of Addison Trail’s Key Club or as a student group leader at his church, Flores has committed himself to serving Addison Trail and the community.

Flores’ service to Addison Trail begins in the classroom as a role model for his peers. In the four years Flores has been at Addison Trail, he has challenged himself to take some of the most rigorous courses. He has been enrolled in five Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and 11 honors courses. Flores also has dedicated himself to his classmates outside of class by providing key leadership in many school organizations. He is a leader in the school through Interact Club, Key Club, Student Council, Italian Club, Student Advisory and Blazer Ambassadors.

“Flores has surpassed our expectations as an officer and a leader,” said Addison Trail Interact Club Sponsors Jorge de Leon and Esther Delgado. “The first Kermes event (a Latino food festival) was a huge success due to the contributions and leadership of Flores. He is a truly gifted and talented young man. Since he was voted in as secretary, he has taken any and all projects and has contributed to their success by giving 100 percent of his dedication. He also serves as a primary role model for other Interact Club members, as he is the first one to volunteer and lead projects.”

Flores has been active in community service projects and organizations as well. He has participated in Feed My Starving Children, Kiwanis Peanut Day, Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive, Salvation Army Bell Ringing and baby-sitting during PTA meetings at Addison Elementary School District 4.

But the service project Flores will remember most is planning and organizing relief efforts for the tornado victims in Washington, Ill. Flores suggested the idea to give up a Saturday and to try and get some of his classmates to join and help out the victims. Before he knew it, there were 200 students ready to roll up their sleeves and help out.

Flores credits his family, his church and Addison Trail sponsors for always supporting him and encouraging him to do his best.

While Flores hasn’t yet finalized his college plans, he has been accepted to The University of Illinois at Chicago and Ferris State University and is waiting to hear from The Ohio State University. He plans to study construction management and interior design.

• 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.