Addison Trail names April recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Pictured is Addison Trail senior Molly Drogosz (right), who has been named as the school's April recipient of 88’s Best recognition. She's pictured with Addison Trail Assistant Principal Iridia Niewinski.

Molly Drogosz has been named as Addison Trail’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Drogosz, a senior, was recognized during the April 15 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch Drogosz’s 88’s Best presentation, click the video above.

Drogosz has taken nine Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses and 12 Honors courses, earning top marks in all of them.

“I have only met Drogosz this school year in Accounting 1,” said Juliann Boudouris, Addison Trail Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department Head. “She accepted the Honors option for the course and has exceeded all expectations in accounting. Drogosz is an excellent representative of the student body and has found a way to be involved in all aspects. She not only has taken accounting this year, but also is a member of the band at Addison Trail. She has one of the top scores in accounting and is one of just two female students who will be attending the College of DuPage Bottom Line Accounting competition at the end of the month. She is a super-conscientious student – quiet, but thoughtful of others. This recognition is well deserved. Congrats to Drogosz.”

Drogosz said she has learned to step out of her comfort zone when it comes to her coursework. She took AP U.S. Government & Politics first semester, and part of that course encourages students to work on a campaign for a local legislator. Through her experience working for State Rep. Deb Conroy, Drogosz has learned to be more outspoken and how to speak with people who might have opinions that differ from her own. Addison Trail social studies teacher LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer, who teaches AP U.S. Government & Politics, said Drogosz really got into the campaign, and she noticed how hard Drogosz worked both on that project and in class.

Many other areas also have influenced Drogosz to be the person she is today. Drogosz has been highly involved in music during her four years at Addison Trail. She said Music Department Head and Band Director Mark Corey teaches students life lessons and is always available to offer support. Drogosz’s favorite high school experiences and memories involve music, and she has had many opportunities to travel and meet new people through the program. Drogosz plays the flute and piccolo and loves preparing for shows and concerts, being with her close group of friends and being a leader.

“I have had the pleasure of teaching Drogosz for four years in band,” Corey said. “It has been amazing to watch her grow from a shy, unsure freshman to the confident and accomplished person she is today. Drogosz did not attend Indian Trail Junior High School and had a significantly different musical background than her peers, who enjoyed receiving music instruction daily. Drogosz recognized that immediately and was determined to meet or exceed her peers’ musical skills. She sought private instruction, practiced diligently and is now one of the most accomplished musicians in the department. It is her determination and resolve to continue to better herself that set her apart. Her motivation is not grades or accolades, but the knowledge that she has given her all and done her best.”

Drogosz also has participated in Book Club, is a member of the National Honor Society, serves as Treasurer for the Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society, played in the pit for this year’s spring musical “Newsies” and is a four-year member of the Math Team. She has done a lot of service work through NHS and enjoys reaching out to her community to help.

After graduation, Drogosz plans to spend her summer getting ready to attend either Lewis University or DePaul University, where she wants to explore accounting or criminology.

• 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.