Willowbrook names August recipient of 88's Best recognition

Pictured is Willowbrook senior Noah Kamm (right), who has been named as Willowbrook’s August recipient of 88’s Best recognition. He's pictured with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause.

Noah Kamm has been named as Willowbrook’s August recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding academic accomplishments. Kamm, a senior, was recognized during the Aug. 28 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch his 88’s Best presentation, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/7666 (or click the video above).

As a student, Kamm consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of his high school career, Kamm will have completed 15 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of Honors courses. As a result of his academic success, Kamm has maintained a class ranking within the 99th percentile, is a National AP Scholar and has been named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of his high school career. He also is an inductee of Willowbrook’s National Honor Society, Civitas (Social Studies Honor Society), Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society and the Math, English and World Language honor societies.

Beyond the classroom, Kamm further commits his time and talents to a variety of events, clubs and activities at Willowbrook. He is a member of Science Olympiad, Scholastic Bowl, Chess Club, the school newspaper and is a two-time state qualifier for the Math Team. Kamm is a member of the Willowbrook Jazz Band and Marching Band as well and has been part of the Crew and Pit Orchestra for Theatre productions during his high school career.

“Kamm is one of the most intellectual young men I have had the privilege of teaching,” said Cristy Hebreard, Willowbrook world language teacher. “I enjoyed having him in Spanish 4 Honors. He was able to absorb the material and the language at a fast pace. He loves to ask questions, which I believe makes him so intelligent. He is like a sponge with everything he is taught. There are times when he has taught us a thing or two! I know Kamm’s future is very bright, and I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish.”

Willowbrook science teacher Eastman Tiu agreed.

“Kamm is always pushing the envelope with his level of inquiry,” Tiu said. “His classmates consistently expect him to be the one setting the bar, and rightfully so. Kamm makes connections lightning fast, and he presents a great challenge to teachers to be able to continue to challenge him. I also coach Kamm in Scholastic Bowl, and he has taken on a leadership role with the team with enthusiasm and enjoys the competition against other schools.”

Willowbrook math teacher Josh Zwart said Kamm’s passion for learning is what sets him apart.

“I had the pleasure and honor of teaching Kamm in our Project Lead The Way Principles of Engineering class,” Zwart said. “He is an outstanding STEM student, but his greatest strength is his natural curiosity about everything. In my class, not a day went by that Kamm didn’t have a profound question. This thirst for more information will lead Kamm to accomplish great things in life.”

Kamm first stepped into Willowbrook’s halls as an eighth-grader to take Honors geometry. Willowbrook math teacher Anna Lu said Kamm stood out even then.

“Kamm is an absolutely incredible young man,” Lu said. “It was clear from even the first discussion with Kamm (when he was in eighth grade) that he is profoundly intelligent. He extrapolates from things he knows to make conjectures about new ideas. His passion for learning and ‘knowing’ has no end. Kamm DEVOURS education. His abilities and his drive give me great hope for the future. I literally cannot wait to find out what amazing discoveries and accomplishments Kamm will give to the world. I consider myself blessed for being his teacher and Math Team coach for several years.”

Kamm plans to apply to The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and The University of Iowa. He plans to pursue a degree in math, physics or chemistry.

• 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.