Willowbrook names September recipient of 88's Best recognition

Stephaney Cheng has been named as Willowbrook’s September recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her academic accomplishments. Cheng, a senior, was recognized during the Sept. 28 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

Cheng is a leader within the class of 2016. As a student, she has enrolled in the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook, including completing 12 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and a multitude of honors courses. Cheng has maintained a class ranking within the 99th percentile, is an AP Scholar and has earned Honor Roll status each semester of her high school career. She also is President of the school’s National Honor Society, is Secretary of Civitas (the school’s Social Studies Honor Society) and is an inductee of the National English, Math and World Language honor societies.

Beyond the classroom, Cheng has been recognized with a Human Relations Award, an Outstanding Student recognition in science and an Outstanding Freshman Award. She also serves as President of Key Club, a Student Ambassador to assist students who transfer to Willowbrook and a New Beginnings Leader to assist freshmen in the transition to high school.

Cheng’s commitment to Willowbrook is further demonstrated by her participation as a Student Council representative, a Blue Crew Officer and a member of Science Olympiad and Math Team. She also is a member of yearbook, the student newspaper, Varsity Athletic Club, Best Buddies and is Captain of the Girls Soccer Team.

Cheng has volunteered her time as a Relay For Life participant, a Freshmen Progress Program mentor, a Feed My Starving Children volunteer and a helper with Kiwanis Peanut Day and numerous Willowbrook events such as Open House and Eighth-Grade Transition Parent Nights.

“Cheng is one of our best,” said Eastman Tiu, Willowbrook science teacher. “Her work ethic and quality of work is top notch, but her best attribute by far is her contribution to her learning community. In the classroom and small group work, she adds so much to the discussion and leads by example. Having her in class is truly like having another teacher in the room, who can help others understand concepts.”

Willowbrook science teacher Ben Fenske agreed.

“I have known Cheng since she was a freshman in my honors biology class,” Fenske said. “At that time, she stood out as one of my very best students. She was then – and is now – a serious, steady student. She could always be counted on to set the standard and lead by example: consistent, thoughtful and mature. But that is not to say she is not without humor or social graces. She has a great, ironic sense of humor and works very well with other students, contributing to our school community in many ways.”

Cheng plans to major in biochemistry and pursue a career in the medical profession. She will apply to Johns Hopkins University, Boston University, Washington University in St. Louis and University of Wisconsin-Madison.