Willowbrook names November recipient of 88's Best recognition

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

Tomas Hernandez has been named as Willowbrook’s November recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his highly improved performance. Hernandez, a senior, was recognized during the Nov. 13 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch his 88’s Best presentation, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/7821 (or click the video above).

The path to success is often paved with stories of perseverance, commitment and dedication, and this is the case with Hernandez. At the start of his high school career, Hernandez experienced a mix of success and challenges. But during his sophomore year, he dedicated himself to improvement and relied on the support and encouragement of his family and staff members. Since then, Hernandez has earned honor roll status each semester and is enrolled in three Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses.

Beyond the classroom, Hernandez is a member of DECA and the Boys Track and Field Team. He also is a four-year member of the Boys Soccer Team, in which he has been recognized as an Academic All-Conference, All-Conference and All-Sectional team member and was named team MVP this year.

“Hernandez is undoubtedly one of the most well-mannered and kind young men I have had the pleasure of working with,” said Tara Murphy, Willowbrook English teacher. “From the start of this year, I have seen Hernandez as a hardworking student, who participates and does well in classes. I knew he was a soccer player, and he seemed to be social with peers. To be honest, I always categorized him as somebody who had it all figured out. What I didn't know about Hernandez until recently, when he shared some struggles he has faced in his academic career, is how much work he put into being that put-together, hardworking, kind young man he portrays today. Hernandez is a true success story. Most students who have gone through the difficulties he has experienced would not appear to be that put-together student I know today.”

Willowbrook math teacher Carrie Skala agreed.

“I have known Hernandez since he was a sophomore,” Skala said. “As a senior, he is now enrolled in two math classes, including AP statistics. He works extremely hard in the class, and I couldn’t be more proud. Hernandez knows what it means to be a learner and not just be in a class for a grade on his transcript. He is one of the most grateful and kindhearted students I have encountered at Willowbrook. It has been a great experience to be a part of his high school journey and see him become an adult.”

Willowbrook Guidance Counselor Kim Mikesell said Hernandez’s tenacity is what makes him stand out.

“Hernandez is an outstanding young man,” Mikesell said. “He is considerate, respectful and driven. When faced with an obstacle, he sees it as an opportunity to push himself even harder to overcome and learn from it. He has embraced challenges and flourished with success. Hernandez can be found putting in extra time outside of the classroom and on the soccer field. He strives for excellence and, with the determination he has, will find it. Hernandez has always shown care and concern for fellow students and staff. When asked to help with a task, he doesn’t say no, even if he has a lot on his plate. He has been a role model in classes, showing leadership skills, maturity and focus. I have been impressed by the growth I have seen in Hernandez the last three years. He has stepped up his academic game to include multiple honors and AP classes. That is just one example of how he is always trying to increase his knowledge and grow as a person.”

Hernandez intends to continue his education and soccer career at Northern Illinois University or College of DuPage, where he plans to study business law.

• 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.