Willowbrook names March recipients of 88's Best recognition

Pictured is Willowbrook senior Julia Cicero, who has been named as the school's March recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding work in the performing arts/electives. Julia was honored along with her twin sister, Kathleen. She's pictured with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause.

Julia Cicero and her twin sister, Kathleen, have been named as Willowbrook’s March recipients of 88’s Best recognition for their outstanding work in the performing arts/electives. The sisters, who are seniors, were recognized during the March 19 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

As a student, Julia consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of her high school career, she will have completed nine Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of Honors courses. Julia has been recognized as an AP Scholar, as well as a member of Willowbrook’s Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career. She also has been named as a State Scholar and has received the school’s Outstanding Freshman Award and Outstanding Student award. She is an inductee of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, World Language Honor Society and Civitas (Willowbrook’s Social Studies Honor Society) as well. She also serves as Vice President of the school’s Thespian Society and as Treasurer of the Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society.

Beyond the classroom, Julia is an active member and leader within the school’s performing arts and extracurricular programs. She is heavily involved in Willowbrook’s Theatre and Choral programs and serves as Co-Captain of the Speech Team. Julia has performed in productions at Willowbrook since she was in sixth grade, including multiple lead roles, and has earned Illinois High School Association (IHSA) All-Sectional and All-State Cast recognitions.

In music, Julia has been named to the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-District Chorus for the last three years and the All-State Honors Chorus for the past two years. She also is a member of CenterStage (Willowbrook’s show choir) and performs regularly at local venues and throughout the state. That includes performing at the Illinois State Fair and as a member of Spirito! Singers, an all-girls, audition-based high school choir.

Beyond Willowbrook, Julia regularly volunteers with local churches, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Misericordia and the Lombard Historical Society.

“Julia is an exceptional teacher,” said Terri Woebel, Willowbrook English teacher. “Her energy, her drive, her talents and her academic achievements are truly outstanding. It is clear she is a passionate reader and a gifted writer. In my opinion, every theatrical performance from Julia is jaw-dropping. I find myself in awe of her natural acting abilities and her beautiful singing voice. I worked with her in theatre when she was a freshman; she served as an understudy for ‘Little Women,’ and her dedication was beyond any I have seen from students working in that role. She might have performed a one-woman show had she been given the opportunity, because she was able to step into any role and transform into the character. She is a leader in Theatre and on the Speech Team and a role model for her peers in class and out.”

Willowbrook music accompanist Linda Radtke agreed.

“I have had the opportunity to work with Julia and her sister during the past four years,” Radtke said. “They are amazing students – hardworking and curious about learning new things about music. One of my favorite memories, and an example of their work ethic, occurred when I helped them to work on their Andrews Sisters-style vocal trio. They decided to do this project on their own. While working with them, I realized they were arranging their own vocal harmonies in the style of the 1940s! At age 16, this is quite a feat. They could sing well in that style, too!”

Willowbrook social studies teacher Maritza Francisco said Julia’s dedication to giving 100 percent in everything she does is what makes her stand out.

“I had the pleasure of getting to know Julia her freshman year,” Francisco said. “She and her sister are amazingly talented, thoughtful, kind, considerate and extremely bright! Both have a great work ethic and are able to balance their academics and performance schedules without skipping a beat!”

Julia plans to attend Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University or Loyola University Chicago, where she will double major in musical theatre and English education.

• 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. They receive an 88’s Best glass sculpture and a certificate to a local restaurant.

Click here to read about Kathleen Cicero