Lincoln Senior Awards

The Lincoln Senior Award is presented annually to graduating seniors in the Peoria County Office of Education #48 region who demonstrate high qualities of character, conduct, and scholarship that were associated with Abraham Lincoln. 

Each high school in Peoria County may select a recipient and they will be honored at an annual dinner.  The principal, or committee, at each high school determines the process for selection of the Lincoln Senior at the school.

Each Lincoln Senior receives the following:

  • $50 gift certificate and Lincoln T-shirt

  • Lincoln Senior Award Certificate

  • Engraved name plate on a Lincoln Senior Plaque placed at each high school

  • Lincoln Medallion

Lincoln sitting with son

Meet our 2024 Winners

Ethan Barnewolt, Brimfield High School  

Brimfield High School chose Ethan Barnewolt for the Lincoln Senior Award.  In the top of his class, Ethan works hard to do his best academically by committing to learn, understand, and apply new concepts and skills.  He is creative and has a strong work ethic as he takes honors and dual credit courses.  He is involved with the school band and shows his love of his school and community through acts of service like volunteering for the Peoria Honor Flight.

Jonah Metzger, Dunlap High School

This year’s Lincoln Senior Award recipient at Dunlap High School is Jonah Metzger.  He has demonstrated his gift and enthusiasm for history and the social sciences though he excels in all courses. He constantly searches for more answers to his many questions. He understands that social science is not rote memorization but rather finding patterns and connections.  A kind and consistent person, he takes on numerous roles throughout the school as a leader.  

Madelyn Conklin, Elmwood High School

Madelyn Conklin is the Elmwood High School selection for the Lincoln Senior Award.  Maddie is the class valedictorian and an Illinois State Scholar who takes a full load of advanced, AP, and dual credit classes. She participates in golf, softball, scholastic bowl, drama club, speech, student council, key club, and band. She is a self-starter with exceptional communication skills and takes responsibility over her own learning.

Evan Sary, Farmington Central High School

Evan Sary was chosen as the 2024 Lincoln Senior Award recipient from Farmington Central High School.  As valedictorian Evan is one of the most academically involved students, maintaining a 4.250 weighted GPA. He has taken several academically challenging courses throughout high school, allowing him entrance to the National Honor Society.  He is a well-rounded individual who demonstrates sincerity, ambition, intelligence, honesty, and leadership.

Annabelle Fortin, Illini Bluffs High School

Illini Bluffs High School chose Annabelle Fortin for the Lincoln Senior Award.  Annabelle currently holds a 4.0 GPA and is an Illinois State Scholar. She has been a leader in many sports and activities.  She was an officer of the NHS for two years.  In volleyball she was captain and now has signed to play at Heartland CC.  She was captain in basketball and softball. She is president of the student council, a class officer, Office Assistant/Staff, and member of Interact Club.

Alayna Bergman, Illinois Valley Central High School

This year’s Lincoln Senior Award recipient at Illinois Valley Central High School is Alayna Bergman.  Alayna is self-motivated, diligent, and disciplined in her studies. She is guided by a strong moral character that makes her an excellent representative of the school. She is mature and exemplifies the best traits of a role model for younger students.  She is willing to work hard and put forth the effort to earn excellent grades and deepen her knowledge.

Alanna Magstadt, Limestone Community High School

Alanna Magstadt is the Limestone Community High School selection for the Lincoln Senior Award.  Alanna has earned a 3.929 GPA which will lead to high honors at graduation. She is a Rocket Scholar.  She holds several prominent positions in both the local 4-H and Limestone’s Key Club.  She has an important part in the freshman transition plan, and one of the first Freshman Launch Program mentors.  She has played both varsity volleyball and soccer at a high level.

Anaijs King, Manual High School

Anaijs King was chosen as the 2024 Lincoln Senior Award recipient from Manual High School. He maintains a 4.23 GP while taking AP/Enriched courses.  As an athlete Anaijs is a team player and excels in football and wrestling.  He is a leader in the school and is kind, respected, and motivated.  He encourages those around him to work hard with him. He is driven to succeed at anything he sets his attention to or any task he is given.

Elijah Chism, Peoria Christian High School

Peoria Christian High School’s Social Studies Department chose Elijah Chism for the Lincoln Senior Award. Among academic high achievers with top grades, Elijah’s extra effort sets him apart.  He is also a strong soccer player, helping his team to a sectional championship and to the top 4 in the state. In the classroom he leads small groups, behaves with integrity, and inspires the best in his peers.

Janessa Wallace, Peoria Heights High School

This year’s Lincoln Senior Award recipient at Peoria Heights High School is Janessa Wallace.  Academically, Janessa is in the top 5 of her class and in basketball she is point guard on a state ranked team.  She has a great work ethic, balancing academics, sports, and a job.  She is an independent learner, a leader in class discussions, and does quality work on assignments.  In basketball she assists the coach in practice and other activities preparing for games.

Tyanna Ward, Peoria High School

Tyanna Ward was chosen as the 2024 Lincoln Senior Award recipient from Peoria High School.  She has taken many AP and dual credit courses.  Tyanna is a leader in class but also on school teams, she leads by mentoring other players.  She is mature, honest, and dependable while making others feel welcome.  She is respected and responsible, always attentive in class and strives to learn all she can.

Marin Ruskusky, Peoria Notre Dame High School    

Peoria Notre Dame High School chose Marin Ruskusky for the Lincoln Senior Award. In the most rigorous and challenging curriculum, Marin is in the top of her class as an AP Capstone diploma candidate.  She is the Co-President of the PND Cystic Fibrosis Club, the Event Planning Chair for the St. Jude Club and she volunteers at "Almost Home Kids" and Roosevelt Magnet School. She is a Student Ambassador and a member of the state-qualifying Varsity Women's Golf Team.

Carrigan Tucker, Peoria Regional Learning Center

Peoria Regional Learning Center’s Carrigan Tucker was selected for the Lincoln Senior Award. She accomplishes what she sets her mind to and is a role model for other students.  Carrigan leads critical thinking activities, seeing patterns where others do not, and relates information in ways that others can understand.  She is a member of the Student Life Advisory Committee and is focused on making school life fun, diverse, and inclusive for all students at PRLC.

Joshua Hunt, Princeville High School

Joshual Hunt was chosen as the 2024 Lincoln Senior Award recipient from Princeville High School. Josh is a very dedicated student and enjoys the pursuit of knowledge. He is a classroom leader during discussions on various topics. He is an excellent contributor to various group assignments and works with students of various talents and capabilities. He is dedicated to creating excellent final products.

Chelsea Diaz Esteban, Quest Charter Academy

Quest Charter Academy chose Chelsea Diaz Esteban for the Lincoln Senior Award. Chelsea is earning a 3.85 GPA. She makes a constant effort to keep up with her academic responsibilities, demonstrating a high level of diligence. She is immensely calm, patient and always willing to help others. Chelsea supports her peers by tutoring them if they need the help.  She is committed, caring and compassionate toward her peers and teachers.

Isabella Hauri, Richwoods High School

This year’s Lincoln Senior Award recipient at Richwoods High School for 2024 is Isabella Hauri. Isabella’s academic effort and overall work ethic rank with the best.  She leads by quiet example.  She is honest, humble, and hard working.  She would stand out in any era.  She does what she believes is right and sticks with her convictions.  She easily communicates with diverse groups. She is humble, not afraid to poke fun at her own faults.