Mary Smith of Willowbrook High School’s Class of 2026 was honored as her school’s recipient of the 88’s Best award for the month of April. Smith, who is a Lombard resident, received the award during the District 88 Board of Education’s April 27 meeting. The board recognizes nine Willowbrook students and nine Addison Trail students with the 88’s Best honor each school year. Smith was Willowbrook’s ninth and final honoree during the 2025-26 school year. She and her fellow members of the school’s Class of 2026 celebrated their commencement on May 17.
Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause spoke during the April 27 board meeting and read comments from several of Smith’s teachers, who praised her as a kind, thoughtful, dedicated and hard-working student. Those teachers also complimented Smith for her integrity, discipline and positive attitude.
Smith completed several Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses during her four years at Willowbrook. She was named to the school’s Distinction Honor Roll in each semester of her time in high school.
Smith is an inductee of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society, and Willowbrook’s social studies honor society—Civitas. She was a member of the Student Council and the Varsity Club. She also served as a Student Ambassador to assist students who transferred to Willowbrook. Additionally, Smith was active in the New Beginnings program, which assists freshmen with the transition to high school. Smith was the founder and president of the school’s Pen Pal program, which allowed current Willowbrook students to connect with eighth-graders and talk to them about what to prepare for before beginning high school.
Smith participated in multiple sports at Willowbrook. She was a member of the Warriors’ girls golf, girls volleyball, girls basketball and badminton programs.
Smith, who plans to become a special education teacher, will continue her education at the College of DuPage.
