Meet Willowbrook’s class of 2017 graduation speaker

On May 21, Willowbrook senior Vineet Patel will address about 450 of his classmates as the graduation speaker during Willowbrook’s 58th commencement ceremony.

Patel was chosen to speak based on his academic standing (he is ranked in the top 5 percent of the class of 2017) and his position as Class President. Patel’s speech, entitled “Moving Forward with Finesse,” will focus on the importance of making the best of life while moving forward into the future.

“It’s an honor and a great way to end my high school career,” Patel said of being named as this year’s commencement ceremony student speaker. “One of the main lessons I’ve learned through my years at Willowbrook is to try anything you see. Don’t be afraid to test the boundaries, and don’t set limits for yourself.”

At the conclusion of his high school career, Patel will have successfully completed 12 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of honors courses. As a result of his academic success, Patel is an AP Scholar with Distinction and has been named to the Distinct Honor Roll each semester of his high school career. He is involved in a variety of clubs and activities at Willowbrook, including Math Team, Chess Club, Boys Tennis Team, Student Council and Key Club.

Patel plans to attend The University of Illinois at Chicago to pursue a degree in computer science.

Willowbrook’s graduation will begin at 1 p.m. on May 21 and will be streamed live at http://www.dupage88.net/wbgrad.