Addison Trail names January recipient of 88's Best recognition
Nicole Pudlo has been named as Addison Trail’s January recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her stellar involvement in extracurricular activities. Pudlo, a senior, was recognized during the Jan. 25 District 88 Board of Education meeting.
Even before she became a Blazer, Pudlo knew the importance of being involved. Pudlo also is successful academically and has taken 12 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and nine Honors courses. She also speaks fluent Polish and has taken six years of Spanish, making her trilingual. She has participated in Polish school for 14 years and has earned awards in Polish school competitions. She also was a member of the group of District 88 students who traveled to Spain for an educational trip last year.
But where Pudlo has really made her mark is in athletics and activities. Pudlo started her involvement at her junior high school, Indian Trail, through peer mediation. Then, during her eighth-grade year, she participated in Addison Trail’s Pay It Forward program, which helps incoming freshmen prepare for high school. That program also provides students with their first taste of leadership experience.
“She is a great role model of leadership, stewardship and goodwill toward her peers and her community,” said Jorge de Leon, Addison Trail Social Worker and Pay It Forward Sponsor.
Pudlo’s involvement and leadership includes volleyball, basketball, Pay It Forward, International Dance, National Honor Society, Student Council, Key Club and Student Advisory Team. She also has had leadership positions in many extracurricular activities, including Historian and Sergeant of Arms for Student Council and Pay It Forward CORE team member and CORE leader. She also has been a Blazer Ambassador, mentoring freshmen and getting them acclimated to high school life. Pudlo has participated in many leadership conferences as well, namely CORE trainings and many West Suburban Conference Leadership symposiums.
“Pudlo is a stellar student, who excels both in and outside of the classroom,” said Kevin Redding, Addison Trail Director of Guidance. “Her work ethic is second to none among her peers. However, her strongest asset is her positive attitude toward life. Her commitment to the classroom is matched by her commitment to extracurricular activities. Pudlo is an extremely likeable student, with innate leadership skills.”
Addison Trail Girls Volleyball Head Coach Dan Styler said Pudlo’s ability to stay focused and determined in the face of adversity is an attribute that helps her succeed.
“Pudlo proved to be resilient by overcoming an ACL surgery (after an injury her sophomore year),” Styler said. “While others would cower away from this setback, Pudlo overcame her fears and was able to embrace competition once again during the latter half of her high school career. The high expectations Pudlo set for herself on the court and in the classroom will guide her path to success beyond the walls of Addison Trail.”
Pudlo has applied to many universities, and her current top choice is Northwestern University. Pudlo plans to major in kinesiology or exercise science and would like to be a physical therapist. She also has considered teaching, but will wait to start courses to see what interests her the most.
- 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 or performing arts/electives.