Addison Trail honors alumnus with Tradition of Excellence award

Top left and middle: Addison Trail alumnus Christopher Coletta (class of 1990) addresses the audience after being named as this year’s Tradition of Excellence recipient on Nov. 1. The Tradition of Excellence award is the highest honor presented by Addison Trail to its graduates. Top right: Addison Trail social studies teacher LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer, co-chairperson of the Tradition of Excellence Committee, presents Coletta with the Tradition of Excellence Award. Bottom: Pictured is the Tradition of Excellence display case at Addison Trail, highlighting Coletta's accomplishments.

Top left: Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden congratulates alumnus Christopher Coletta (class of 1990) on being named as this year’s Tradition of Excellence recipient on Nov. 1. Top right: Larry Fass, former Addison Trail Social Studies Department Chair, introduces Coletta. Bottom: Pictured are (from left) co-chairs of the Tradition of Excellence Committee Melissa Morales (Addison Trail special education teacher), Tina Gatses (Addison Trail Guidance Counselor) and LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer (Addison Trail social studies teacher), this year's Tradition of Excellence recipient Christopher Coletta (class of 1990), Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden and District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton.

On Nov. 1, Addison Trail staff members, retirees and alumni, along with community members, welcomed alumnus Christopher Coletta (class of 1990) as this year’s Tradition of Excellence recipient.

The Tradition of Excellence award is the highest honor presented by Addison Trail to its graduates. Initiated in 1999, this annual alumni recognition program has honored recipients in professional fields such as medicine, engineering, science, education, art, music and law.

Coletta has more than 20 years of experience in the health care industry – externally as a strategy consultant with McKinsey & Company and internally through multiple biopharma roles at Pfizer Inc. and Amgen, which involved drug discovery, corporate strategy and technology innovation. Coletta is a member of the leadership team at Coactuate, a strategic design consultancy focused on driving growth and innovation for the world’s top health care companies. In that role, he draws on his diverse background in science (he earned his undergraduate degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Harvard University), music (he plays double bass in jazz performances) and sports (he was an Olympic cyclist in 1992) to identify creative solutions to the most difficult problems facing health care companies today. Coletta lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Lecia; his 5-year-old daughter, Emmeline; and his 3-year-old son, Mateo.

During the induction ceremony, Coletta thanked those present, including his family, for their support and encouragement. He also recognized the effort educators put forth each and every day to build futures for students. He said although his teachers and coaches might not have realized the impact they had on his life, he wouldn’t be where he is today without their guidance.

Addison Trail social studies teacher LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer, co-chairperson of the Tradition of Excellence Committee, showed photos of Coletta from his high school years and spoke about his journey. Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden congratulated Coletta on his success and commended him for the Blazer Pride he brings to his alma mater. Coletta was introduced by Larry Fass, former Addison Trail Social Studies Department Chair. On Nov. 2, Coletta spoke with Addison Trail students and shared with them the importance of pursuing their dreams. He also played a few numbers with the Addison Trail Jazz Band.

To be considered for the Tradition of Excellence award, nominees must have graduated from Addison Trail more than 10 years ago; distinguished themselves in the academic, artistic, business, professional, entrepreneurial or public service field; demonstrated an ability to serve as an outstanding role model for current Addison Trail students; and performed services and/or accomplishments that have brought credit to their alma mater. To nominate someone for the Tradition of Excellence award, go to https://dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=644.