Addison Trail names November recipient of 88's Best recognition

Veronique Robins has been named as Addison Trail’s November recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her highly improved performance. Robins, a senior, was recognized during the Nov. 14 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

Throughout her four years at Addison Trail, Robins has demonstrated how drive and attitude can shape a person, and she has taken charge of her future. She has faced many challenges in her life, but has surpassed them and succeeded in building a positive future for herself. Robins decided to challenge herself academically her junior year and enrolled in Spanish III Honors, along with two of the most difficult Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses available at Addison Trail. Robins will be the first person in her family to attend college, and she uses that goal to motivate and push herself. Robins credits her godmother and guardian, Juliette Shular-Conrad, for helping her stay focused on school when times were tough.

“Robins is an exceptional young lady, who is very driven,” said Kevin Redding, Addison Trail Director of Guidance. “What most impresses me about Robins is she stands strong in the face of adversity. She is a very resilient student, who has overcome some obstacles in her life and continues to work hard in school, despite those challenges. I have no question Robins will have success in her future endeavors.”

Amy Ferraro, Addison Trail English teacher and Department Chair, agreed.

“Robins is a wonderful young lady,” Ferraro said. “She was in my AP Language class as a junior, and she was an excellent student – a constant contributor to discussions, consistent with her assignments, eager to ask for help and give extra effort. She did so well, I never would have known she was a student who had struggled at one point. I suppose that is the highest compliment I can give her, and it proves how worthy she is of this honor. If she had a rough patch early on, she certainly didn't use it as a crutch, and she faced the challenges of junior year head on.”

Robins is busy outside of the classroom as well. On top of the 20 hours a week she puts in at her job, she also is involved in track and field, Interact Club, UNICEF Club and Black Student Union (BSU).

In her free time, Robins enjoys reading and writing – her passion is writing (especially short stories and poetry), and she hopes to use that as part of her profession one day.

“Robins is a pleasure to have in class each and every day,” said Colleen Kane, Addison Trail math teacher. “I greatly appreciate her positive attitude and sense of humor, as do her classmates. She is hardworking and determined to do her best at all times. Her maturity and the sense of responsibility she feels to always do her best are truly admirable. I discovered her love of reading while she was in my geometry class. I offered to lend her some of my favorite books, as the library book on her desk each day changed so frequently. She gladly accepted my offer, and throughout the school year, she read nearly every book I own. I honestly couldn't get them to her fast enough! Robins deserves this award, and her efforts to maintain good grades are seen daily. I will definitely miss her after she graduates.”

Robins plans to attend Illinois State University or Northern Illinois University. She would like to double major in business management and writing, as her future goal is to write her own plays and open her own production company in Chicago or New York.

• 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.