Willowbrook alumni speak to students about Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses

Pictured are four Willowbrook alumni who spoke with about 250 Willowbrook students on Jan. 11 regarding Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses. They are (from left) Eugene Ciesla (class of 2016), Amanda Barrie (class of 2016), Tyler Rusnak (class of 2015) and Nicholas Eufrasio (class of 2015). They also are pictured in that order below (from left to right, top row to bottom row).

On Jan. 11, four Willowbrook alumni spoke with about 250 Willowbrook students regarding Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses.

The event was hosted by the Guidance Department to provide students with an opportunity to ask questions and hear firsthand from fellow Warriors what to expect with AP classes, as well as the benefits of completing college-level coursework while in high school.

The alumni who participated are Eugene Ciesla (class of 2016, attending Northern Illinois University), Amanda Barrie (class of 2016, attending The University of Tampa), Nicholas Eufrasio (class of 2015, attending University of Wisconsin-Madison) and Tyler Rusnak (class of 2015, attending University of Minnesota Twin Cities). Ciesla, Barrie and Eufrasio each completed seven AP classes while at Willowbrook, and Rusnak completed 11 AP courses. By taking those classes, they earned a combined 122 college credits.

The speakers discussed how AP courses take time and effort, but are worth it for those who are willing to put in the work. AP classes offer students a chance to earn college credit (depending on their exam score), which in turn allows them to advance quicker and save money. They added high school is a great time to complete higher-level academic work, as supports are in place to help students through the class. Lastly, they shared that taking AP classes doesn’t mean there won’t be time to participate in other activities and enjoy a social life.

To see a list of AP courses available at District 88, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=3152. For questions or more information, contact the Willowbrook Guidance Department at 630-530-3417.