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THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025
Addison Trail alumnus named ISBE 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year Addison Trail has announced that alumnus Víctor Gómez (Class of 2012, pictured right) has been named as the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). “Addison Trail holds a special place in my heart,” Gómez said. “Through the dedication and care of outstanding teachers and their unwavering commitment to not only educate their students, but prepare them for postsecondary careers, is what nurtured and prepared me in many aspects of life; making me the educator I am today.” Gómez, a 2025 Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year, is a sixth-year bilingual chemistry teacher in Leyden High School District 212 and a leader in advancing bilingual education.
He co-developed East Leyden’s bilingual program and helped launch the school’s first Bilingual Chemistry course. A dedicated advocate for English Learner (EL) students, Gómez ensures they receive high-quality instruction and access to opportunities to prepare for careers in STEM—such as earning college credit through Elmhurst University’s STEM Academy. While at Addison Trail, Gómez was a member of the boys track and field team and the boys cross-country team. “I wanted to model what my teachers at Addison Trail did for me—making lessons engaging, demonstrating they cared for their students as individuals and creating a supportive environment, where every student felt valued and motivated to succeed,” Gó-
mez said. “The impact they had on me was profound, and I wanted to do the same for my students.” Gómez especially thanks social studies teacher Brad Donaldson, science teacher Carolyn Erwin, English Department Head Amy Ferraro, math teacher Kirsten Olson and world language teacher Enza Spilotro for instilling within him a passion and love for teaching and the confidence to pursue education as a career. “I pursued a career in education, because I saw a deficit of educators who shared my cultural and linguistic background,” Gómez said. “I knew that one day, I could use my bilingualism to serve a community of learners who needed to see themselves reflected in their teacher.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent
Victor Gomez
Village announces Memorial Day schedule In observance of Memorial Day, the Village of the event of inclement weather. Addison offices will be closed Monday, May 26. • The V.F.W. will host a hot dog lunch at noon Please join in a community observance on at the V.F.W. Post Hall, 446 W. Lake St. Memorial Day with events beginning at 8 a.m. at More details can be found on ItHappensInAdIndian Trail Jr. High school. dison.com. The V.F.W. ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Veterans Circle, east of St. Paul Church, 37 W. Army Trail Road. Schedule of events • Events begin at 8 AM with a pancake breakfast at Indian Trail Junior High School, hosted by the Knights of Columbus. • The Historical Museum will have an open house from 9-11 a.m. • The community march to St. Paul Cemetery begins at 9:30 from Indian Trail. • The V.F.W. Auxiliary Cemetery Observance will begin at 10 a.m. • The V.F.W. Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at Veterans Circle or in the Village Hall Rotunda in
SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent
SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent
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Speak out..........................5 Police Reports............ 4, 7, 8 Out & About ��������������������6 Sports......................... 17-19
Montini Catholic sophomores polish their ‘self selling’ skills during mock interviews
Montini Catholic High School sophomores practiced “self selling” skills during speech class, participating in mock college admission interviews. The unique exercise provides an opportunity for the future college applicants to acquire constructive feedback as well as learn what to expect for actual interviews. Students were coached by speech teacher, Jackie Martin, on how to best prepare for interviews including showing enthusiasm, not presenting rehearsed answers, asking intelligent questions, making eye contact and presenting a firm and confident handshake. Martin’s goal of giving her students an authentic interview experience with constructive feedback, gives them confidence and better prepares her students for future college and job interviews. Here, Addison resident and Montini sophomore Nishika Karthi interviews with Montini Principal Chris Tiritilli.
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