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DuPage HSD 88 honors student leaders and picks pickleball contest winner
Summary
The DuPage HSD 88 Board of Education recognized two '80 Eight's Best' student honorees from Addison Trail and Willowbrook and named Vanessa Barham the District 88 Foundation Pickleball marketing contest winner. Students described how school staff and activities shaped their leadership and career interests.
The DuPage High School District 88 Board of Education used its February meeting to spotlight student achievements, honoring Julia Eberly of Addison Trail and Suha Salman of Willowbrook as this month’s "80 Eight’s Best." School staff from multiple departments recited the students’ academic, athletic and volunteer credentials, and each student spoke briefly to thank teachers, family and peers.
Julia Eberly was introduced by Addison Trail staff, who described her as an "always eager" volunteer and noted she has completed 13 Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses, is an AP Scholar with Distinction and was named to the IHSA All-Academic team for volleyball. Counseling staff and coaches highlighted her leadership as a club co-president and involvement with the VFW. "She is a credit to her parents and the school," a staff member said. Eberly told the board she was especially grateful to AP teachers who mentored her and to the Addison Trail Veterans Support Organization for shaping her service work.
Willowbrook staff presented Suha Salman similarly: teachers and coaches cited her leadership on the speech team, theater productions and the school newspaper, and her multiple honor-society inductions. The presenter said Salman will complete 16 Advanced Placement classes by graduation and has served as an election judge for DuPage County. "Suha is truly one of 80 Eight's best in every way," a Willowbrook teacher said. Salman thanked the board and staff and reflected on stepping beyond her comfort zone to try new activities.
Separately, the District 88 Foundation announced Addison Trail junior Vanessa Barham won the 2026 Pickleball Tournament marketing contest. The foundation said it received more than 75 entries; Barham’s design was used in district materials and she received a certificate and a $100 gift card. The foundation also reminded the public the Pickleball Tournament is scheduled for Feb. 28 at Willowbrook; registration details are posted at dupage88.net/pickleball2026.
The recognitions portion concluded before the board recessed for a brief break and returned to conduct regular business later in the evening.
