Willowbrook names August recipient of 88's Best recognition

Vineet Patel has been named as Willowbrook’s August recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his academic accomplishments. Patel, a senior, was recognized during the Aug. 29 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

As a student, Patel consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of his high school career, Patel will have successfully completed 12 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of honors courses. As a result of his academic success, Patel has maintained a class ranking within the 99th percentile, is an AP Scholar with Distinction and has been named to the Distinct Honor Roll each semester of his high school career.

Beyond the classroom, Patel is involved in a variety of clubs and activities at Willowbrook. He is a member of Math Team, Chess Club, Boys Tennis Team, Student Council and Key Club. He has excelled as a member of Math Team and qualified for the state competition last year. Patel also volunteers at his temple and, in his free time, conducts independent research projects using data and information he has collected.

“Patel has been a member of the Willowbrook Math Team every year of his high school career,” said Carrie Skala, Willowbrook math teacher. “He is always willing to compete in any math event in which he is needed. He has befriended the underclassmen and has been an excellent role model to them. Last year, Patel placed third in the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) regional math competition for the Algebra 2 Individual Contest and then competed at state.”

Willowbrook world language teacher Cristy Hebreard said Patel was a memorable student.

“Patel was a bright spot in my 8th-hour Spanish 4 Honors class last year,” Hebreard said. “He always entered the room with a smile and a hello. He worked very hard last year to excel at Spanish and as a student. I know whatever he does in the future, he will do it with 110-percent effort.”

Willowbrook science teacher John Fouser said Patel’s work ethic is what made him stand out.

“Patel is a hard-working student,” Fouser said. “He was engaged in classroom discussions and asked insightful questions.”

Patel is applying to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and The University of Illinois at Chicago, where he plans to pursue a degree in computer science.

• 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.