Addison Trail names December recipient of 88's Best recognition

Jonathan Loi has been named as Addison Trail’s December recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his academic accomplishments. Loi, a senior, was recognized during the Dec. 19 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch Loi’s 88’s Best presentation, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/6215.

When Loi graduates, he will have taken 17 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and 11 Honors courses, and he has received a grade of A in all of them to date. He is a Semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program, a National AP Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction.

“Loi makes a huge contribution to the class,” said Laura Jurik, Addison Trail English teacher. “He reads Shakespeare fluently and is always there with a good question or comment. Other students line up to work with him because he is so bright and helpful. He's a top student academically, and he continues to challenge himself with tougher reading, vocabulary and writing.”

Addison Trail science teacher and Science Olympiad co-sponsor Kira Bonk agreed.

“Loi has been a strong leader for Science Olympiad this year and is very determined to make it to State,” Bonk said. “He has been encouraging his team members to work hard and is extremely dedicated. He is always seeking new challenges and has an appreciation for knowledge. It is obvious Loi is going to go on and do great things, and we are all interested to see exactly what those great things will be!”

Loi said the staff members at Addison Trail have helped him be successful, and he credits his counselor, Tina Gatses, for leading him to such a positive path.

“Loi is extremely driven,” Gatses said. “He is passionate about computer science. He excels in everything he does and always gives 110 percent. He has really come out of his shell and is not afraid to go after what he wants. I am extremely proud of the young man he has become.”

Loi also is highly involved with extracurricular activities at Addison Trail. For four years, he has been a member of the Boys Cross-Country Team, Math Team, Science Olympiad Team (which encouraged him to pursue a career as a scientist), Psychology Club and Key Club, among other activities.

After graduating from high school, Loi’s top choice for college is Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also is applying to Georgia Institute of Technology and California Institute of Technology. Loi plans to study biology because of its complexity and how much we still don’t understand in that subject area. He wants to help the world with his discoveries. Specifically, Loi would like to study genetics and how to manipulate genes to make improvements in the health field and possibly the environment. He also wants to work toward finding a cure for cancer and is considering a career in oncology.

• 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. Recipients are honored during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in one of the following areas: academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work or performing arts/electives.