Addison Trail names April recipient of 88's Best recognition
Gabriela Jurkiewicz has been named as Addison Trail’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her academic accomplishments. Jurkiewicz, a senior, was recognized during the April 11 District 88 Board of Education meeting.
Jurkiewicz has taken 13 honors courses and 11 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses during her time at Addison Trail.
“Jurkiewicz has been my student for two years in Spanish 4H and now in AP Spanish Literature, the most rigorous course offered in the World Language Department,” said Erica Craig, Addison Trail World Language Department Chair. “As one of only two non-native students in AP Spanish Literature, she is excelling with high marks on her assessments and essays. She is intuitive and has a keen eye for detail, and her contributions to our class are always thought-provoking and astute. She is mature beyond her years, and her confident sense of self is inspiring for her peers. Jurkiewicz has been one of the brightest students I have had the privilege to teach.”
Addison Trail Career and Technical Education teacher Jeff Laschinski agreed.
“Jurkiewicz is the kind of student every teacher wants to have in class,” Laschinski said. “She does great work and is motivated, but also is friendly, polite and is a person of high character.”
Jurkiewicz excels in all subjects; however, English is her favorite.
“This is the first year I've had the pleasure of having Jurkiewicz in class, but it did not take long to notice how gifted she is,” said Laura Jurik, AP English Literature teacher. “A stellar English student, she writes beautifully, with amazing clarity. Very few students read with her level of sensitivity and insight. She might not be the loudest voice in the room, but she contributes in the most valuable places, challenging ideas with tact and humility. Jurkiewicz possesses the much-needed qualities in a journalist – (aside from) the intelligence and talent, she has the character to provide an ethical and unbiased point of view.”
Addison Trail English teacher Jessica Clark encouraged Jurkiewicz to join the Torch, Addison Trail’s newspaper; she did, and she hasn’t looked back. Jurkiewicz loves journalism, particularly political stories, and loves how being a part of the Torch has helped with learning how to write as a journalist. It also has helped her break out of her comfort zone through the interviews she has to do and the people she meets.
Jurkiewicz also has participated in Pay It Forward, Key Club and International Fest all four years of her high school career and was a member of the bowling and cross-country teams for one year. This year, she has focused on Youth and Government, Model UN and DECA, where she recently participated in the DECA International Career Development Conference in a promotional campaign plan for Fashion Merchandising.
Jurkiewicz plans to attend University of Missouri and study journalism. She plans to be involved with the student newspaper and would like to try her hand at broadcasting. She also is considering earning a minor in law.
- 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 during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in the areas of academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work or performing arts/electives.