DuPage HSD 88 honors students and coach at December meeting

The DuPage HSD 88 Board of Education used part of its December meeting to spotlight students and staff.

Addison Trail/Edison Trail student Zion Martinez was recognized as the district’s '80 Eight's Best' recipient for his academic achievements, leadership and extracurricular contributions, including success in AP coursework and DECA. Teachers and coaches praised Martinez’s classroom engagement and teamwork; Martinez told the board he was grateful to teachers who encouraged him and to his family for support.

Willowbrook senior Sarah Inescu was introduced as the district’s '80 Eight's Best' for Willowbrook. Multiple teachers and department heads highlighted Inescu’s leadership in music, service as editor-in-chief of the school paper, dual-credit/AP coursework and community volunteer work. Inescu thanked counselors and family and said her background informed her college and career goals.

The board also recognized the Willowbrook girls flag football program and head coach Rachel Caros for earning the IHSA third-place trophy and regional and sectional titles. Coach Caros described the program’s rapid growth, named All-State and conference honorees on the roster and noted several players receiving postseason honors; the administration said Caros was named the IHSA Girls Flag Football Coach of the Year and was being submitted for national recognition.

"We are very proud to honor Zion and Sarah and to celebrate the accomplishments of our student athletes and coaches," a board speaker said during the recognitions. The recognition segment included brief student remarks and coach comments and concluded prior to the meeting’s recess for refreshments and photos.