Addison Trail honors alumnus with Tradition of Excellence award

Pictured is Addison Trail alumnus Guillermo Coronado (class of 2001), who was named as the school's Tradition of Excellence recipient for 2018-19 during a presentation on Nov. 6. That award is the highest honor presented by Addison Trail to its graduates. During his acceptance speech, Coronado shared his journey to success and thanked his family and the Addison Trail staff for their support and guidance.

(From left) Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden and social studies teachers LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer and Laura Magnavite introduce Addison Trail alumnus Guillermo Coronado (class of 2001) as this year’s Tradition of Excellence recipient during a presentation on Nov. 6. That award is the highest honor presented by Addison Trail to its graduates.

Left: Addison Trail alumnus Guillermo Coronado (class of 2001) holds up his award after being named as the school's Tradition of Excellence recipient for 2018-19 during a presentation on Nov. 6. That award is the highest honor presented by Addison Trail to its graduates. He's pictured with Addison Trail social studies teacher LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer, who is one of his former high school teachers. Right: Coronado (center) poses with Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden (left) and District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton.

On Nov. 6, Addison Trail welcomed alumnus Guillermo Coronado (class of 2001) as this year’s Tradition of Excellence recipient.

The Tradition of Excellence award is the highest honor presented by Addison Trail to its graduates. Initiated in 1999, this annual alumni recognition program has honored recipients in professional fields such as medicine, engineering, science, education, art, music and law.

Coronado attended Harvard College, from which he graduated cum laude in 2005, and Harvard Business School, from which he graduated in 2009. Coronado began his career at UBS, where he structured bond issuances for municipal governments. He also has worked at McKinsey & Company, where he consulted to financial services companies on various strategic initiatives. For the last eight years, Coronado has been at Bridgewater Associates, LP, the world’s largest hedge fund, with $160 billion under management on behalf of pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, corporate pensions and other institutional investors. He oversees the client portfolio management team, which builds custom portfolios for clients and launches new funds and products. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, Elena, and son, Michael.

During the induction ceremony, Coronado thanked those present for their support and encouragement. He also recognized the effort educators put forth each and every day to build futures for students. Coronado said although the academic preparation provided by Addison Trail staff members helped him reach this level of success, their care, investment in his personal well-being and taking the time to go above and beyond and see him as more than just a student are what truly had a positive impact on his life and guided him on his journey.

Addison Trail social studies teachers LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer and Laura Magnavite, who both taught Coronado when he was in high school, introduced him to the audience. They showed photos and video clips of Coronado from his years at Addison Trail and spoke about what made him stand out. Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden, who nominated Coronado for the Tradition of Excellence award, congratulated Coronado on his accomplishments and commended him for the Blazer Pride he brings to his alma mater. On Nov. 7, Coronado shared his story with Addison Trail students and spoke with them about the importance of pursuing their dreams, no matter what obstacles are in the way.

To be considered for the Tradition of Excellence award, nominees must have graduated from Addison Trail more than 10 years ago; distinguished themselves in the academic, artistic, business, professional, entrepreneurial or public service field; demonstrated an ability to serve as an outstanding role model for current Addison Trail students; and performed services and/or accomplishments that have brought credit to their alma mater. To nominate someone for the Tradition of Excellence award, go to www.dupage88.net/TOEForm.