Willowbrook names November recipient of 88's Best recognition

Julian DeMuro has been named as Willowbrook’s November recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his highly improved performance. DeMuro, a senior, was recognized during the Nov. 14 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

DeMuro’s story is one of perseverance, commitment, determination and overcoming obstacles to create a new path. DeMuro admits when he first came to Willowbrook, school wasn’t his focus and, at times, he was prepared to leave it all behind.

But during his sophomore year, DeMuro resolved to live his life, go to school and work hard. He began the transition back to Willowbrook and completed his junior year earning 15 credits and grades of As and Bs. He has continued to improve during his senior year, maintaining a GPA of 3.33 and preparing to become the first member of his family to cross the stage at graduation.

“DeMuro is an incredible young man, who has gotten to where he is by internal strength and the guidance of staff he has known here at Willowbrook and beyond,” said Willowbrook English teacher Tara Murphy. “DeMuro is in my English 12 class, where he does quite well. He asks questions and participates. He is a successful and thoughtful student. One of my favorite parts of class is when DeMuro finds the confidence to share something he’s thinking, because it often is insightful and brilliant. The world can and will learn a lot from DeMuro, and for that reason and others, he is so deserving of this award.”

Willowbrook math teacher Carrie Skala agreed.

“I have known DeMuro for his entire high school career,” Skala said. “He has grown and changed so much during the past four years. He is always a positive addition to any classroom environment, whether helping a struggling student or trying to get the highest grade on an assessment. DeMuro is always polite and says hello and asks how you are in the hallway. He will go out of his way just to say hello. I am incredibly proud of him and the bright future he has ahead of him. He really is the definition of a Willowbrook Warrior.”

Willowbrook ACHIEVE Social Worker Irene Mason said DeMuro’s strong work ethic and ability to focus on the positive are what make him stand out as a student.

“DeMuro is one of the most persistent and resilient students I have ever had the opportunity to work with,” Mason said. “His ability to overcome daily obstacles, adversity and major life challenges never ceases to amaze me. Watching DeMuro’s self-awareness and confidence grow during the past four years has truly been remarkable to witness. Even when DeMuro goes through some of the lowest points in his life, he always tries to make the best of the cards he is dealt and better his situation, and he does it with a sense of humor and an inner drive to be the best he can be. The personal and academic growth he has made are a testament to his motivation and willingness to never give up.”

DeMuro looks forward to continuing his education and training in cosmetology after he graduates.

• 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.