Willowbrook names March recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Pictured is Willowbrook senior Joe LaPointe (left), who has been named as the school's March recipient of 88’s Best recognition. He's pictured with Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause.

Joseph “Joe” LaPointe has been named as Willowbrook’s March recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding work in the performing arts/electives. LaPointe, a senior, was recognized during the March 18 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch LaPointe's 88’s Best presentation, click the video above.

LaPointe is committed to his academic success and also dedicates countless hours to his musical and theatre talents. He credits his passion for performing to the encouragement he has received to reach beyond his comfort zone. As a student, LaPointe consistently pursues the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. At the conclusion of his high school career, he will have completed Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as a multitude of honors courses. As a result of his academic success, LaPointe also has earned Honor Roll status multiple semesters of his high school career and serves as President of the Thespian Honor Society and Vice President of the Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society.

LaPointe’s talents extend well beyond the classroom to Willowbrook’s music and theatre programs. He is a member of Concert Choir and Show Choir (CenterStage), was recognized as the Outstanding Music Student of the Quarter and has been named as an All-District Musician by the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) for the past three years. He also performs with the school’s Improv Club and serves as a teacher assistant in the Music Department.

As a member of Theatre, LaPointe has been a cast and crew member for every production during his high school career. His performances include lead roles in “The Music Man” (Harold Hill), “SCHOOLED” and “Lend Me a Tenor.” LaPointe also has been a member of Willowbrook’s IHSA Contest Play productions, earning All-Sectional Cast recognition for his role in “Elizabeth Rex” last year and serving as Assistant Director for this year’s production of “The Revolutionists.”

“LaPointe’s kind heart is well matched in his performing talents!” said Willowbrook Theatre Director Regina Wathier. “He is an incredibly kind, decent human being, who deserves good things. He has been a wonderful ambassador not only for the theatre program, but for Willowbrook High School – he is a perfect example of kindness and friendliness, and he is an encouraging and positive role model for his peers. His beautiful singing voice and engaging stage presence have been an asset to all of our productions.”

Willowbrook science teacher Justine Bryers agreed.

“I have had the pleasure of teaching LaPointe in AP Environmental Science this year,” Bryers said. “He is a joy to interact with and to have in class. He is always respectful and kind and makes the class better just by being in it. He is one of those students who gets along well with everyone and seems to be universally respected in class. On a personal note, my fifth-grade daughter was one of the child actors in ‘The Music Man,’ and I think it speaks volumes about LaPointe as a person that he made each and every child feel comfortable and welcome during practice and on stage. He went out of his way to make sure the kids had a good experience. He is definitely a role model to my daughter, who now wants to be a ‘theater kid’ like LaPointe.”

LaPointe plans to continue his education at Southern Illinois University and major in musical theater and 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 seniors 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.