District 88 celebrates African-American History Month

Throughout the month of February, Addison Trail and Willowbrook students and staff have participated in events to celebrate African-American History Month.

Addison Trail

  • Students watched the movie "Hidden Figures" on Feb. 9, which tells the story of a team of African-American women mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. 
  • The Addison Trail Black Student Union participated in the Black Student Leadership Conference on Feb. 21 at College of DuPage. During that conference, students from 12 high schools participated in a College Admissions Panel, Student Panel, Career Exploration Panel and a Mock Admissions Activity. The students also had an opportunity to attend a college fair with about 60 representatives from colleges and universities.
  • Students participated in International Fest Week from Feb. 21 to 24, a weeklong event that taught students about various countries and cultures and culminated with the International Dance Show on Feb. 24.
  • Students continue to participate in Youth Equity Stewardship Series (YESS!) training from the Youth Voice Leadership Series, presented by Benjie Howard and Wade Colwell-Sandoval with the New Wilderness Project. The goal is to prepare students to recognize and learn from the diversity around them.

  • The Library Media Center created a showcase display featuring books that highlight prominent African-Americans. (pictured above)

Willowbrook

  • Students watched the movie "Hidden Figures" on Feb. 9, which tells the story of a team of African-American women mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. 
  • A spirit day took place on Feb. 17 to celebrate African-American History Month, which included staff and students wearing T-shirts that promoted the month.

 

Willowbrook alumni (from left) Victoria Phillips (class of 2013), Whitni Goolsby (class of 2015), Shantel Powell (class of 2016) and Daja Coffee (class of 2014) help lead the Student Panel portion of the Black Student Leadership Conference on Feb. 21 at College of DuPage. Also pictured is Neuqua Valley High School alumna Shamekka Williams. During that panel, they shared with participants their experience of transitioning from high school to college and answered questions from current high school students.

  • Willowbrook students attended the Black Student Leadership Conference on Feb. 21 at College of DuPage. During that conference, students from 12 high schools participated in a College Admissions Panel, Student Panel, Career Exploration Panel and a Mock Admissions Activity. Four Willowbrook alumni – Daja Coffee (class of 2014), Shantel Powell (class of 2016), Whitni Goolsby (class of 2015) and Victoria Phillips (class of 2013) – were part of the Student Panel. The students also had an opportunity to attend a college fair with about 60 representatives from colleges and universities.
  • Information about the history, accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans is being shared with students and staff through announcements every Tuesday and Thursday during February.
  • Students continue to participate in Youth Equity Stewardship Series (YESS!) training from the Youth Voice Leadership Series, presented by Benjie Howard and Wade Colwell-Sandoval with the New Wilderness Project. The goal is to prepare students to recognize and learn from the diversity around them.

  • The Library Media Center created a showcase display featuring books that highlight prominent African-Americans. (pictured above)