Dupage Policy Journal

The DuPage High School Board of Education recognized students who received state honors for their academic achievement during the board's Dec. 12 meeting.

"This is definitely one of our favorite nights," Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews said. "Just seeing this, seeing you guys take the time to even come out and receive the recognition like this just is incredible. Thank you for everything you contribute to Addison Trail."

Among the honorees were Anthony Reed for earning Academic All-State honors in football from the Illinois High School Coaches Association. An all-conference wide receiver, he earned 459 receiving yards during the season, good for an average of 16 yards per reception, as well as a 4.2 cumulative grade-point average (GPA).

Coach Chris Bazant said Reed was "very deserving" of the honor. "Not only did he help us on the field, but he also led us outside of football," Bazant said.

Reed has taken more than 14 advanced and honors courses during his career, and "he continues to challenge himself to strive to do better every day."

"He embodies what it means to be a student-athlete," Bazant said.

Diego De La Rosa, who plays violin in the school's orchestra, was recognized as an all-state musician. "If you have not heard Diego play the violin, you need to," music teacher Alexander Stombres said, adding that De La Rosa will perform at the Illinois Music Education Conference in January. "He is a passionate musician," Stombres said.

Three students from Willowbrook High School were recognized for being named All-State Musicians by the Illinois Music Education Association, including Kalli Reeves-Kohoutek, who was chosen as one of 50 students in Illinois to attend a future educators seminar. Iliana (Acer) Esparza earned All-State Choir honors after having not participated in choir last year. Amelia Tortorici also earned all-state choir honors, and has been chosen to open the seminar by singing the national anthem, music department chair Karyn Wolcott said.

The board also recognized Willowbrook athletes Natalie Cipriano, Calli Kenny and Hannah Kenny from the volleyball team. Sophomore Audrey Morgan was recognized for qualifying for the state swim meet, and senior Kevin Diederich for reaching the state cross-country championships.

Also, the girls flag football team was honored for completing an undefeated season.