Addison Trail names August recipient of 88's Best recognition
Pictured is Addison Trail senior Michelle Ramirez, who has been named as Addison Trail’s August recipient of 88’s Best recognition. She is pictured with Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden.
Michelle Ramirez has been named as Addison Trail’s August recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Ramirez, a senior, was recognized during the Aug. 28 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch her 88’s Best presentation, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/7665 (or click the video above).
Throughout her four years at Addison Trail, Ramirez has taken 12 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and 13 Honors courses.
“Ramirez took AP Biology as a sophomore, but because of her poise, maturity and fierce intellect, I always forgot she was only a second-year student in our building,” said Carolyn Erwin, Addison Trail science teacher. “Her positivity and even-keeled temperament were immediately apparent and contributed to the common good of our class. She embraced every challenge – and quite frankly made it all look easy, despite her busy academic and athletic schedule. Teaching her was truly a pleasure, and I know she will be successful in all of her future endeavors.”
Ramirez credits her parents and older sister for instilling in her a positive work ethic and attitude. Staying on top of her work has helped her be successful, and the ambition she has to be accepted to a great college/university pushes her to do her best.
Ramirez also has participated in many extracurricular activities. She has been a member of the Addison Trail-Willowbrook Girls Swim Team for three years and said her favorite high school memories involve her time on the swim team, because that’s where she forged the best friendships and meaningful times with her teammates. She has been an active member of Key Club, National Honor Society, Model UN, Science Olympiad and Math Team as well.
“Ramirez is a brilliant young woman with a passion for science and learning,” said Kira Bonk, Addison Trail science teacher and Science Olympiad Co-Sponsor. “She works hard and always has a smile on her face – in fact, I feel like she is giggling most of the time. She finds the positive in any situation and has repeatedly stepped up as a leader, which her Science Olympiad coaches really appreciate! I am so excited to see what Ramirez does her senior year, and I know she will graduate in May with a bright future ahead of her.”
Ramirez plans to attend University of Michigan, Loyola University Chicago, Northwestern University or University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She plans to study biomedical sciences and is considering a career in medicine and orthopedics, so she can use her background in sports.
- 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.