Willowbrook names February recipient of 88's Best recognition

Kevin Miller has been named as Willowbrook’s February recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding service work. Miller, a senior, was recognized during the Feb. 22 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

As a student, Miller has consistently demonstrated high levels of performance and achievement, including completing Honors and Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level coursework and earning honor roll status each semester of his high school career. He is a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, English Honor Society and Civitas (Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society). He also has been recognized with the Outstanding Freshmen and the Human Relations awards and was named as an Honorable Mention in the Daily Herald Leadership Team program.

Miller’s contributions to Willowbrook and the community are further evidenced by his leadership in Blue Crew, New Beginnings and Relay For Life. He also is a member of Marching Band and is Captain of the Boys Basketball Team.

Miller participates in Habitat for Humanity and volunteers for his church as well. He and other varsity athletes recently volunteered to shovel driveways for community members. He also organized a National Hug Day event at Willowbrook to promote kindness among students, amassing more than 700 hugs throughout the day.

“Miller is one of the most kind, caring and sensitive students I have ever met,” said Megan Graham, Willowbrook science teacher. “He makes all of us around him a better person. Miller is compelled to ‘do the right thing,’ no matter what is going on around him.”

Willowbrook Band Director Jonathan Bogue agreed.

“Miller is a multi-talented natural leader, who just happens to be one of the nicest and funniest students here at Willowbrook,” Bogue said. “If he's not helping younger students on the Marching Band field, he's prepping for a basketball game or making a room of people laugh. Miller has a strong moral compass and always seems to do the right thing.”

Brett Blair, Willowbrook English Department Chair, said Miller’s service and dedication to the school are what make him stand out.

“Miller is one of the kindest, most giving young people I have met in my career at Willowbrook,” Blair said. “For four years, I have had students and colleagues speak of the infamous Kevin Miller. At the end of last year, I had the good fortune of meeting him. He immediately greets you with the most genuine grin that exudes his intent – to help whomever he can, whenever he can. His service to the school really is the pride of a Warrior.”

Miller is still deciding which college/university he will attend, and he plans to major in physical therapy.

“Smiles. Hugs. Positivity. Selflessness. Integrity. Intelligence. Miller makes you want to be a better person, whether it be as an athlete, a student, an extracurricular student or a human,” said Cristy Hebreard, Willowbrook world language teacher. “I am very envious of the university Miller will choose to attend. They get him, and we lose him. I am so proud of the young man he has become and cannot wait to watch what he does in this world. I promise you … he will change it. Congrats, Miller. You are the Warrior we all need.”

• 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.