Willowbrook names April recipient of 88's Best recognition

Alex Lapinski has been named as Willowbrook’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his success in the performing arts. Lapinski, a senior, was recognized during the April 27 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

Those who have been to a theatre production, Speech Team competition or choral concert at Willowbrook have seen the multiple talents of Lapinski. Along with his well-rounded experiences in the performing arts, Lapinski also is a top student. Throughout his four years at Willowbrook, he has taken a rigorous course load of honors and Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level classes and is in the top 2 percent of his class. He is a National Merit Scholarship Qualifier and an AP Scholar with Distinction. Lapinski has maintained Distinction Honor Roll status all four years at Willowbrook and is a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Illinois Economics Challenge, World Languages Honor Society, Thespian Honor Society, Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society and Civitas (Willowbrook’s social studies honor society).

Lapinski was chosen by audition for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Honors Choir his junior and senior years. He also was selected for the ILMEA All-District Choir as a junior and as a senior and received the “Best in Room” honor as a vocalist at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Solo & Ensemble Contest for 2014.

Since his freshman year, Lapinski has earned leading roles in almost every musical and play at Willowbrook. His performance in “God of Carnage” earned him All-Sectional Cast and All-State Cast awards and contributed to the production winning 3rd place in the IHSA State Final Drama and Group Interpretation Competition. His performance in “A Lie of the Mind” won him an All-Sectional Cast award this year. Lapinski also is an IHSA Speech Team State qualifier. As a choral student, Lapinski is the leader of the bass section in the Concert Choir (President), as well as in the show choir (Dance Captain).

“I have not only taught Lapinski in class, but also have watched him excel in every play, musical and daily announcements event he participates in,” said Mary Barney, Willowbrook Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department Chair. “Lapinski’s projects and presentations in class are humorous, detailed, attention-getting and informative. He puts extra effort into everything he does in class to be sure his thoughts and skills shine through. He has such a bright future, and I am honored to have been one of the teachers who got to know him and see his success on a daily basis.”

Willowbrook Music Department Chair Karyn Wolcott agreed.

“In 25 years of teaching choral and vocal music, I can honestly say Lapinski is one of the finest students I have encountered,” Wolcott said. “He is dynamic, charismatic, compassionate, trustworthy, dependable and highly memorable. In his years of choir, Lapinski has always exhibited a desire to work to his full potential and always serves as a leader to inspire others to do their best. He will be missed profoundly in our ensemble after he graduates.”

Regina Wathier, Willowbrook English teacher and Theatre Director, said Lapinski is a true performer.

“Lapinski’s success on the stage is entirely due to his professional work ethic, talent, charisma and passion for every endeavor,” Wathier said. “Overall, Lapinski is a fantastic actor – one of the best I have ever worked with in 17 years of directing high school theatre. His innate talent is matched with a truly humble, yet enchanting personality and a fantastic work ethic. He performs each role with the dedication of a true professional, and he invests his time, spirit and compassion into every endeavor.”

Brett Blair, Willowbrook English Department Chair and Speech Team Sponsor, said Lapinski’s talent and passion were apparent even before Lapinski came to Willowbrook.

“I still remember meeting Lapinski during the Curriculum Showcase of his eighth-grade year and his excitement to be part of the Speech Team,” Blair said. “That excitement has been a precursor to his successes, for he has gone to State twice for Humorous Interpretation. He is driven and talented, which is an exceptional mixture for his accomplishments. He is a pleasure to have in class and always has an insightful comment. So, like the observations made more than four years ago, when Lapinski takes his last bow at graduation, it will not be his final performance.”

Lapinski plans to attend Luther College in Iowa and major in music education, with a minor in computer science and secondary education.

• 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.