Page 2 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 3 Carroll Cathloic Eighth Grade Graduates In Alphabetical Order: Keigan Anderson Brigham Davenport Aiden Grant Griffin Jenness Pierce King Addyson Mahler Tyler Mattingly Starla Russell *Photo by Picture This Photography
Page 4 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Keren Binu Adrian Bonaparte Liam Braid Liam Cameron Michael Campion Kaleb Chapman Riley Drake Alexia Elliott Brycen Falcon Savannah Johnston Ayden Feguson William Kohl Darrian Harper Kane Komnick Colleen Hieser Jacob Long Chester-East Lincoln Eighth Grade Graduates
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 5 Prestonn McCain Jessilyn McCaine Quincy O’Donoghue James Pittman Jesalyn Potratz Bailey Rodriguez Spencer Sanders James Sewing Marissa Shull Ashten Wolf Zaylie Vanos Reece Warner Bralan Werner
Page 6 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Leo Allen Devin Aper Robert Benner David Bland Lydia Doolin Ava Eeten Brayden Lane Abby Newlun Kamden Pointer Tate Whitted Elliott Ross Kyler Williams Kaydence Sutton Andrew Zimmerman Thomas Watkins Hartsburg-Emden Eighth Grade Graduates
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Page 8 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Kaitlynn Anderson Faye Babbs Isaiah Baker Kaylee Baker Trinity Barger Lillian Benshoff Josalyn Bruce Nikyah Bruce Amber Bucciarelli Ashton Bunner Steven Buchanan Logan Burger Tyree Buck Aliya Carter Taiana Buggs Cole Chaney Lincoln Junior High School Eighth Grade Graduates
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 9 Kade Chaney Syrenity Cronin Riley Delahunt John David Dietrich Reese Duffer Omarion Edwards Kenidie Evans Arianna Falcon Brooklyn Florey Liam Gorton Cayden Geriets Dominic Geriets David Gharrett Eva Gowin Cole Hall Kai Hargrave
Page 10 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Wyatt Haynes Hunter Henrichsmeyer Eliahlyn Hinton Karsen Hufnagel Kennedy Hutchison Dalton Hyde Benjamin Ingram Jada Ivy Daisie Jackson Wyatt Jackson Kyla Johnson Unique Johnson
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 11 Bosco Jones Kristyn Kane Willow King Samantha Lewis Eden Lowery Elliott Lynch Elliott Martin Lillie McCain Erika McClellan Brooke Meister Madison McEvers Logan McFadden Kaylee McKinney Adriana Menzel Miley Meridith Max Miller
Page 12 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Conner Nichols Serenity Reckers Olivia Reed Hailie Rempe Rylan Rentmeister Destiny Rohlfs Amy Schumm Railee Shaub Baileigh Shehorn Elena Strait Braylen Skaggs Zachary Stamm Lillian Stinson Aiden Sturch Nicholas Taylor Sicily Tucker
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 13 Traveon Watkins Aiden Werth Serina Whiteman Sophia Wilkerson Ian Xie
Page 14 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Alexis Bishop Wesley Bobell Wyatt Call Aedyn Clark Christopher Curto Jocia Daniels Kennedy Davis Landon Deibert Skyler Durst Keagan Heath Blake Eskew Annalyse Helm Zachary Etter Josh Helton Jaden Hamilton Gage Hickey Mount Pulaski Eighth Grade Graduates
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 15 Josie Jones DJ Keller Ethan Kern Camrynn Killion Kian Lahey Eva Leonard Malaya Lindzy Erick Marinich Elyssa Marten Andrea Noltensmeier Reed Martin Jensen Maschoff Tiffany Munsch Adrina Poani Logan Pulcini Chase Robers
Page 16 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Jaice Skeen Olivia Smith Kendra Stewart Mariah Stone Vincent Tabor Olivia Trauner Isaac Volle Haylee Werts Reading Award Wesley Bobell Writing Award Chase Roberts Top Math Student(s) Wesley Bobell, Jaden Hamilton, Chase Roberts, Vincent Tabor Most improved Math student Mariah Stone PE Student of the Year Haylee Werts Seth Remmert Award (Social Studies) Vincent Tabor DAR Award (American History) Cami Killion Art Student of the Year Kennedy Davis Band Student of the Year Annalyse Helm Science Award Gage Hickey Science Award Cami Killion Illinois Principals Association Student Leadership Award Eva Leonard
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Page 18 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 New Holland - Middletown Eight Grade Graduates Claire Louise Cook Jacob Robert-Lee Daniels Dale Dean Davison Aiden Matthew Gasparini Artie Scott Horath Camdyn James Skelton Amelia Genevicia Whitman
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 19 Olympia Middle School Eighth Grade Graduates Rhett Alexander Logan Bachman Jaxin Baker Gavin Ballard Raegan Ballenger Ayden Barnard Joseph Benigno Summer Berlin Traten Beyer Phoenyx Bicknell Sophia Billington Nolan Birky Makinli Bittle Rylan Bohnert Charles Bone Collette Bone Abagail Bridgewater Abigail Brown Kenzer Burrell Kylar Burrell Chase Byrne Ally Carr Jacob Cassel Khloe Chenoweth Kaden Collins Marley Collins Khloe Compton Ellie Cook Kennedi Craig Landon Crowell Andy Dabney Charli Demling Reid Demling Sidney Droe Alexis Durham Graham Durheim Lily Eller Hunter Fahsbender Mckenzie Fairburn Calvin Fonger Virginia Frerichs Vivian Frerichs Brandon Gaither Ethan Garcia Tucker Garey Dalton Gerberding Destiny Gonzalez Tristan Graham Levi Hanlin Lise Hanson Tanner Helm Colton Hemphill Wesley Hemphill Jason Hess Brody Hish Finley Hoffman Jersey Holloway Sarah Horner Aven Horrom Reese Hurley Evan Janis Adriana Jenkins Ava Jenkins Cloey Johnson Karma Kashner Mira Kistner Rylan Klapp Kendyl Koehler Dacota Krowlek Ethan Labelle Camryn Lamoreau Reese Logsdon August Long Maddison Long Emily Love Colby Maness Mckale Marquis Paul Martin Elizabeth Mcginnis Lealynn Mcginnis Kynlee Miller Allison Mont Edmund Moore Jayce Moser Jackson Myers Chrystian Neal Cimaya Nolan Lily Olson Ty Olson Sophia Ortiz Jackson Park Jesilynn Payne Blake Pichon Colton Pichon Sylus Pierce Annaston Piro Kiara Porter Makenna Poynter Wyatt Prince Cooper Rennhack Acelin Reynolds Emma Ribble Dawson Rogers Phoenix Shelton Lucas Sloan Lauryn Snider Joseph Springer Brody Stork Adelynn Tackett Parker S Tackett Maria Taliafero-Martinez Isaac Tanner Malachi Taylor Klaus Terry Jayden Thorne-Phillips Lia Trout Lailah Vandyke Autumn Vannoy Lily Walsh Graham Walters Nora Walters David Warman Isaac Warnock Hailee Weeks Daniel Wheeler Braidon White Logan Wiggins Deangelo Wright August Wulf Jaxon Youngren Hailey Zaremba
Page 20 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Ashton Anderson Elizabeth Chen Lainey Cosby Annily Eimer Maci Eskra Maggie Eskra Cooper Freitag Mazie Green Camden Hake Emersyn Keith Skylar Hoefs Ella Schneider Kamdin Horn Kiara Scott Kennedy Kerns Preslee Sherren West Lincoln - Broadwell Eighth Grade Graduates
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 21 Henry Stoltzenburg William Vinyard
Page 22 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Addison Campbell Zion Lutheran School Lincoln Eighth Grade Graduates Joshua Hellman Charlotte Judd Alexis Lamb Travis Taylor Ellie Wrage
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 23 Zion Lutheran School Mt. Pulaski Eighth Grade Graduates Emily Stoll - Presidential Achievement Award Isabell Hall Abbigail Manner - Kind Like Caleb Award Noah Parpart - DAR Award, Presidential Achievement Award Asa Blacketer - Presidential Achievement Award, Kind Like Caleb Award Benji Watkins James Beuscher Jacob Zirkelbach
Page 24 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Addison Beekman Michelle Benner Evan Cross Noah Doolin Ashlyn Duvall Jeffrey Ehlers Isaiah Kirby Johnathan Long Cloe O’Donoghue Kyleigh Ott Lorisa Riggs Jace Whitted Hartsburg-Emden High School Class of 2024
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Page 26 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Lillian Anderson Nancy Anderson Luke Andrews Kamber Arthalony Avery Baskett Liliana Bauer Ian Carson Vicente Custodio Carolina Ellis Caden Doyle Trenton Dietrich Benjamin Flatley Corey Douglas Kaleb Flores Ellis Dowell Brendin Folkes Illinis Central High School Class of 2024 No Photo Provided
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 27 KayleeAnn Garmon Zachary Golden Katelyn Green Kylie Green Shelby Heyen Avery Higdon Madison Hughes Bailee Krause Jacob Kreiling Eli Parr Lucia Leamon Audrey Luebbert Carter Montgomery Chase Paskach Lucas Power Gwendolyn Reagan
Page 28 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Sophia Schneider Lannah Shaffer D’Andre Snow Hunter Snyder Peyton Stark Elijah Stender Bayleigh Thomas Copper Thomas Lacy Utsinger Lily Utsinger
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Page 30 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Lincoln Community High School Class of 2024 Jason Presley Agee Abigail Jane Arnold* Alissa Jo Baldwin Allyson Jade Battin Reagan Lee Bell Alyssa Kathryn Bishop* Leyah Alysa Boettcher Madison Ann Bohannon Garrett Joe Boward Jenna Marie Bowman* Kylie Ann Boyer* Isabella Marie Bree-Elmore* Christian Todd Brown Connor Garrison Brummell Connor Dean Brummet Alyssa Rayne Buffington Brayden Anthony Buss Lacy Lin Buss* Kani Santrell Carson Ki’on Sintrell Carson Liyah Elizabeth Carter Colin James Centers Zabin Tomas Cruz Cisneros Zabrina Rayne Modena Cisneros Jayce Andrew Coers Brooklynn Paige Coleman Alyssa Marie Company Aidan Thomas Craine Kaylee Hope Crawford Benjamin Ludwig Crombie Joseph Andrew Dahmm Rylee Marie Davison Jenna Doreen Annabell Dorgan Claire Elise Duffer Aleyah Nicole Duncan Jarrett William Evers Corinne Elizabeth Ewenson Lauren Emma Ewins Dyllan Matthew Ferguson Carson James Franz Riley Alexander Freitag Mercedes Renee A Friend* Kloe Jade Froebe* Ryan Jay Fruge* Ashtyn Taylor Gannon Joshua Luke Garretson Tabatha Rose Gee Jackson Kenneth Geriets Tori Lynn Geriets* Margaret Addison Giesler Kyndell Elane-Ann Ginger Colbe Lee Glenn Regan Elizabeth Goodey Aidan Samuel Getahun Gowin Dylan Dawit Gowin Owen Charles Grant Wyatt Matthew Gross Ethan Michael Grover Dustin Wayne Hanover Angel Haro Destinee Nickole Harper* Braden Scott Harruff Ella Ruth Hartman Becca Ann Heitzig* Emily Catalina Hernandez Zachary James Hummel Chloe Ann Hutton Elaine Marie Hyde Haylee May Ivey Elaina Grace Jones Luke Daniel Jones Wyatt Lane Keller Alexa Rae Kelley Annie Elizabeth Kohl Brynley Grace Laubenstein* Grant Loren Laubenstein Jacob Michael Lawrence Kayla Melissa Lee
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 31 Ryan Mitchell Lichtenwalter Mark Tyler Long Isabella Faith Prather Michael Thomas Lucas* Hannah Caitlin Maddox Wyatt Christian Mammen Clayten Dean Manley* Lillian Jane Manuel Ethan Michael Maynard Isabella Grace McFadden* Mattea Danielle McFadden* Madison Kayla McIntosh Talan Paul McKinney Kane Martin Miller Ryan Joseph Miller Trinton Alexander Miller Jackson Thomas Morgan Arianna Christine Morris* Nicholas William James O’Laughlin Jianna Alyvia Ortiz Sandra Joann Paradee Delaney Rosalee Park* Ethyn Clinton Parn Konnor Caige Paswater Ariana Louise Porter Hayden Alexander Powell Tamari Nicole Pressoir* Logan James Pumfrey Addison Ann Qualters Addison Lee Rawlins Avery Marie Rawlins Alexis Marie Rehmann Emma Paige Nichole Robinson Owen Rees Roemer* Michael James Rounds Angel Lynn Rude Nasr Sohail Sales Gabriel Matthew Sarabia Trey Anthony Schilling Collin Michael Schmidt Peyton John Schwantz* Porter William Schwantz* Joseph Daniel Shaffer Ella Claire Singleton* Kayden Mikel Skelton Carissa Marie Sprinkel* Darren Allen Stevens Taryn Jae Stoltzenburg* Autumn Jane Strohl Nathan John Stuckey* Caitlyn Marie Summers Wesley Samuel Tedrick* An Hoai N Tran Alison Kay Turner* Marie Justine Van Evan Jerome Wachendorf* Lyssa Jo Walker* Kyle Steven Warfel Daniel Lee Welchel Oliviah Noelle Wilkerson Wyatt Conner Wilkerson Elizabeth Leann Wines *National Honor Society
Page 32 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Scenes From Graduation
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Page 34 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 35 LCHS Announces Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Lincoln Community High School is proud to announce the recipients of the Oliver C. and Roberta M. Hursh Memorial Scholarship Awards. Mr. and Mrs. Hursh did not have any children of their own, but education remained very important to them. They believed that society should encourage the real achievers among us. As has been done for the last thirteen years, and will be for the next nine years, the valedictorian and the salutatorian of Lincoln Community High School will each receive 25% of the annual trust earned income. This year’s recipients will each receive $27,661.35. The 2024 Valedictorian is Kloe Froebe. Kloe is the daughter of Kent and Kari Froebe. Kloe plans to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. The 2024 Salutatorian is Taryn Stoltzenburg. Taryn is the daughter of Matthew and Jamie Stoltzenburg. Taryn plans to attend Webster University in Webster Groves, MO.
Page 36 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 The Lincoln Community High School Foundation has been created to enrich lifelong learning programs and provide educational opportunities for LCHS students. The Foundation provides funds beyond the normal operating budget for community educational programs not available through tax revenues. The Foundation is a non-profit, independent organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, who are business and professional members of the community with a commitment to education. The Lincoln Community High School Foundation Board of Directors has reviewed this year’s applicants and has made their scholarship selections from the Senior Class of 2024. Winners are: The Arthur and Luella Gimbel Scholarship ($5,000) will be awarded to Porter Schwantz. The LeRoy Allison Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) will be awarded to Jenna Bowman. The Jason Jones Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) will be awarded to Taryn Stoltzenburg. The LCHS Career & Technical Education Scholarship ($2,000) will be awarded to Joseph Dahmm, Jackson Geriets, and Brynley Laubenstein. The Debra L. Bree Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded to Kloe Froebe and Dylan Gowin The Vincent Beggs Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded to Abigail Arnold, Alyssa Bishop, Kylie Boyer, Lacy Buss, Joseph Dahmm, Kloe Froebe, Tori Geriets, Dylan Gowin, Becca Heitzig, Elaina Jones, Brynley Laubenstein, Clayten Manley, Isabella McFadden, Tamari Pressoir, Addison Rawlins, Trey Schilling, Porter Schwantz, Wesley Tedrick, Marie Van, and Oliviah Wilkerson. The Lincoln Community High School Foundation Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded to Allyson Battin, Jenna Bowman, Isabella Bree-Elmore, Kani Carson, Mercedes Friend, Jackson Geriets, Aidan Gowin, Angel Haro, Jackson Morgan, Luke Jones, Michael Lucas, Lillian Manuel, Mattea McFadden, Arianna Morris, Owen Roemer, Peyton Schwantz, Taryn Stoltzenburg, Alison Turner, Kyle Warfel, and Brenden Wurth. The James B. Maxwell Educational Memorial Scholarship ($500) will be awarded to Alison Turner. If you are interested in making a taxdeductible contribution in order to provide enrichment opportunities for future students of Lincoln Community High School, please contact the superintendent’s office or visit us on our website at www.lchsrailers.org under LCHS Foundation. Lincoln Community High School Foundation
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 37 LCHS Seniors recognized for academic achievement Lincoln Community High School held its annual Senior Awards Ceremony for the Class of 2024 on Wednesday, May 9, 2024, in the LCHS Auditorium. Several outstanding students were honored with financial awards and recognition for their academic achievements for the school year. In addition to the LCHS Foundation awarding scholarships to students, several organizations, businesses and community members also are very generous in awarding scholarships to local students. As you will see in the digital program, many of the scholarships are also memorial scholarships. The evening is really a wonderful way to celebrate and honor those seniors who have worked hard academically to achieve success. The following awards were presented: The American Legion Citizenship Award Awarded to: Becca Heitzig Heitzig was unable to attend due to a track meet. The award was presented by Gene Hickey of the American Legion Post 263, Lincoln Logan County Lift Off Scholarship Awarded to: Kani Carson Ki’on Carson Ella Singleton Lyssa Walker
Page 38 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 The Deputy Scott Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund Awarded to: Isabella Bree-Elmore Jenna Bowman Trey Schilling Jackson Geriets Arianna Morris Illinois Sheriff s’ Association Scholarship Awarded to: Jenna Bowman Logan County Crime Stoppers Scholarship Awarded to: Tori Geriets Iva Mae Blaum Scholarship Awarded to: Porter Schwantz Joseph Dahmm Elaine Hyde Lucille Flick Larson Scholarship Awarded to: Clayten Manley Alison Turner Jenna Bowman
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 39 John B & Winnie Harmsen Behrends Scholarship ( $ 2200) Awarded to: Wyatt Mammen Evan Wachendorf Shelter Insurance Scholarship Awarded to: Lacy Buss Ryan Struebing Memorial Scholarship Awarded to: Lyssa Walker P.E.O. Star Scholarship Awarded to: Kloe Froebe
Page 40 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Ron and Joan Ritchart Foundation Scholarship Awarded to: Lacy Buss Jackson Geriets Clayten Manley Arianna Morris Alison Turner Lincoln Elementary School District #27 Foundation Scholarship Awarded to: Brynley Laubenstein Kiwanis Scholarship Awarded to: Lacy Buss LJHS Alumni Character Scholarship Awarded to: Taryn Stoltzenburg
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 41 Daughters of the American Revolution Award Awarded to: Alison Turner American Legion Essay Contest Awarded to: Isabella Bree-Elmore Clayten Manley Dekalb Scholarship Award Awarded to: Joseph Dahmm FFA Alumni Scholarship Awarded to: Alyssa Buffington Joseph Dahmm Peyton Schwantz Porter Schwantz
Page 42 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 National Honor Society Service Award Awarded to: Alison Turner LTEC Student of the Year Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Lincoln Awarded to: Angel Haro Rotary Ready for the Real World Student of the Year Awarded to: Caitlyn Summers LCHSEA Teacher Scholarship ( $ 333) Awarded to: Clayten Manley Alison Turner Jenna Bowman Rotary Academic Excellence Award Awarded to: Abigail Arnold Alyssa Bishop Jenna Bowman Kloe Froebe Becca Heitzig Michael Lucas Mattea McFadden Arianna Morris Owen Roemer Porter Schwantz Carissa Sprinkle Taryn Stoltzenburg Wesley Tedrick Alison Turner Jason Jones Memorial Scholarship ( $ 2000) Awarded to: Taryn Stoltzenburg Arthur and Luella Gimbel Scholarship ($ 5000) Awarded to: Porter Schwantz
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 43 Student Government Scholarship ( $ 250) Awarded to: Jenna Bowman Taryn Stolzenburg Alison Turner Kloe Froebe Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship ( $ 1000) Awarded to: Abigail Arnold James B. Maxwell Education Memorial Scholarship ( $ 500) Awarded to: Alison Turner LeRoy Allison Memorial Scholarship ( $ 3000) Awarded to: Jenna Bowman LCHS Career & Technical Education Scholarship ( $ 2000) Awarded to: Joseph Dahmm Jackson Geriets Brynley Laubenstein
Page 44 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Debra L. Bree Memorial Scholarship ($ 1000) Awarded to: Kloe Froebe Dylan Gowin Vincent Beggs Scholarship ( $ 1000) Awarded to: Abigail Arnold Alyssa Bishop Kylie Boyer Lacy Buss Joseph Dahmm Kloe Froebe Tori Geriets Dylan Gowin Becca Heitzig Elaina Jones Brynley Laubenstein Clayten Manley Isabella McFadden Tamari Pressoir Addison Rawlins Trey Schilling Porter Schwantz Wesley Tedrick Marie Van Oliviah Wilkerson Female/Male Athlete of the Year Awarded to: Ki’on Carson Becca Heitzig
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 45 Lincoln Community High School Foundation Scholarship ( $ 1000) Awarded to: Allyson Battin Jenna Bowman Isabella Bree-Elmore Kani Carson Mercedes Friend Jackson Geriets Aiden Gowin Angel Haro Jackson Morgan Luke Jones Michael Lucas Lillian Manuel Mattea McFadden Arianna Morris Owen Roemer Peyton Schwantz Taryn Stoltzenburg Alison Turner Kyle Warfel Brenden Wurth Central State 8 Senior Academic AllConference Team Awarded to: Abigail Arnold Aidan Gowin Arianna Morris Becca Heitzig Brynley Laubenstein Ella Singleton Evan Wachendorf Jenna Bowman Kloe Froebe Nathan Stuckey Owen Roemer Ryan Fruge Taryn Stoltzenburg Tori Geriets Trey Schilling Wesley Tedrick Seal of Biliteracy Awarded to: Alyssa Bishop Jenna Bowman Lacy Buss Kloe Froebe Regan Goodey Becca Heitzig Clayten Manley Jackson Morgan Arianna Morris Porter Schwantz Nathan Stuckey Owen Roemer Carissa Sprinkle Wesley Tedrick Alison Turner Oliviah Wilkerson Taryn Stoltzenburg Illinois State Scholars Awarded to: Alyssa Bishop Jenna Bowman Lacy Buss Corinne Ewenson Carson Franz Mercedes Friend Kloe Froebe Becca Heitzig Michael Lucas Mattea McFadden Arianna Morris Delaney Park Owen Roemer Peyton Schwantz Porter Schwantz Carissa Sprinkel Taryn Stoltzenburg Autumn Strohl Nathan Stuckey Wesley Tedrick Evan Wachendorf Kyle Warfel
Page 46 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Ella Bobell Joanna Brown Ethan Buenrostro Mackenzi Chandler Kamrie Charron Jayden Cherry Cori Clark Kenneth Cooper Grace Davis Isabelle Hunt Nolan Deibert Hunter Kretzinger Catelyn Fletcher Jameson Lowe Brylee Howie Alec Martin Mount Pulaski High School Class of 2024
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 47 Daniel McCormick Dean Mileham Addison Niccolls Kenten Oltmanns Hayden Palmquist Clay Rath Drew Rentmeister Hailee Robinson David Ruhl Jordyn Stanberry Colt Selinger Landon Smith Ella St. James Hannah Stoll Chloe Stone Scout Tschantz
Page 48 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Kellen Wilham Emarie Willis Ausin Yaple
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 49 On Tuesday evening, Mount Pulaski High School hosted its annual senior recognition night. The teachers, administrators, students, family and friends came together to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of eighteen seniors. Recipients of 22 scholarships and four academic awards were announced in addition to the Senior of the Year. The students recognized were noted for their hard work, dedication, perseverance. Through the generosity of the scholarship sponsors and presenters, a total of $433,296 in scholarships was awarded. Scholarship awards: Irma Maxheimer Dana Memorial Scholarship for $3000 ($750 per semester) Colt Selinger Lincoln Women’s Club Scholarship for $1000 Grace Davis Sydney Edwards Davis Scholar-Athlete Memorial Scholarship Grace Davis Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship (Corey Leonard) for $1500 Scout Tschantz United States Bowling Congress Scholarship in memory of Evan Connor Grace Davis and Scout Tschantz Mt. Pulaski Seniors earn $433,296 in scholarships Logan County Liftoff Scholarship (Sponsored by Academic Development Institute and the Robert J. Woods Foundation) Mackenzi Chandler Kim Knauer Memorial Scholarship for $2000 Drew Rentmeister
Page 50 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Mt. Pulaski FCCCA Service Scholarship for $500 Grace Davis Claus Tanner Memorial Scholarship (awarded to a band student) Ethan Buenrostro Mt. Pulaski Longview Community Bank Scholarship Kenneth Cooper and Alec Martin Mt. Pulaski Lions Club Tom Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Dean Mileham and Jayden Cherry The John B. and Winnie Harmsen Behrends Endowment Scholarship Dean Mileham, Jayden Cherry and Grace Davis Doris Cates Memorial Scholarship Scout Tschantz Agriculture Scholarships FFA Alumni Scholarship $1500 (each) awarded to Ella Bobell, Kenneth Cooper, Landon Smith and Scout Schantz $1000 awarded to Alec Martin $500 awarded to both Dean Mileham and Kellen Wilham Logan County Farm Bureau Scholarship (awarded at Farm Bureau Ag Scholarship Breakfast in March) $5000 awarded to Alec Martin $3500 awarded to Scout Schantz $2500 awarded to Ella Bobell and Landon Smith Caleb Coogan Memorial Scholarship for $1000 Awarded to the following eleven students: Jayden Cherry, Dean Mileham, Kamrie Charron, Hannah Stoll, Kellen Wilham, Kenneth Cooper, Grace Davis, Ella Bobell, Scout Schantz, Landon Smith and Alec Martin Caleb Ridge Farm Scholarship for $1000 Kamrie Charron Deputy Scott Brown Memorial Scholarship Grace Davis and Alec Martin Hilltop Club of Mt. Pulaski Scholarship for $500 Jayden Cherry and Alec Martin
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 51 Spot of Sunshine Scholarship Scout Tschantz and Alec Martin Iva Mae Blaum Scholarship (awarded to students going into nursing or agriculture careers to fill in tuition gaps other scholarships do not cover for all four years) Scout Tschantz School Scholarships Emarie Willis will attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has received two full-ride scholarships: the SIU-E Provost Scholarship totaling $56,568 and the SIU-E Cougar Pride Scholarship totaling $72,568. Each one will cover all four years. Ella Bobell will attend Blackhawk East College. She has received a 2 year scholarship from Blackhawk for $32,160. Scout Tschantz will attend Lincoln Land Community College and has been accepted into the LLCC Trustees Honors Program. She has received a scholarship totaling $8400 that will cover full tuition for up to 60 hours. Ethan Buenrostro will attend Millikin University. He received four scholarships totaling $55,000: the academic excellence scholarship for $10,000 a year for four years, the Millikin Difference Scholarship that will $3000 a year for four years, the Millikin Housing Scholarship for $2500 for one year and the Big Blue Pledge for $250 a year for four years. Alec Martin will attend Lincoln Land Community College. He was awarded the Neal and Diana Jordan Workforce Scholarship for $3000 towards the Lineman Program he will be completing. Special Recognitions: Illinois State Scholar (based on class rank) Colt Selinger and Emarie Willis All-Academic Tomahawk Conference (awarded to student athletes with at least a 3.5 grade point average) Ella Bobell, Lindsay Chandler, Kamrie Charron, Jayden Cherry, Grace Davis, Colt Selinger, Landon Smith, Hannah Stoll and Scout Schantz DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award Scout Schantz
Page 52 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Seniors of the month September-Chloe Stone October - Jayden Cherry November - Scout Schantz December - Grace Davis January - Kamrie Charron February- Alec Martin March- Colt Selinger April- Emarie Willis May-Isabella Hunt Senior of the year Colt Selinger The night provided a great opportunity for the community to see many fine young people that are a part of the community. We wish all the best to the graduating seniors as they move on to the next chapter of their lives. [Angela Reiners]
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Page 54 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Olympia High School Class of 2024 Rachel Andris Michael Bagby Ethan Baker Curtis Benigno Madison Berges Tyler Lawrence Bernas Jordan Leigh Bicknell Melissa Bieber Savanah Biehl Jazmyn Boatman Fox Bolton Emma Books Mia Boudeman James Brammeier Ash Branham Chase Brewer Blake Buatte Kaleb Bush Chloe Carnahan Riley Carr Caden Clark Hannah Cleveland Julia Collins Alex Cook Allaric Crosby Sarah Cross Andrew Daugherity Amy Dederich Logan Demling Avery DesJardins Jorgi Dupureur Calvin Walker Peyton Elgin Abigail Escalante Kourtney Fann Jessica Fikri Shelby Finchum Buddy Fleming Jr. Laura Fortanelli Danika Frazier Lacey Gerberding Reid Glaser Alexandria Graham Cheyenne Hanlin Hailey Harrison Willard Herald IV Makayla Hill Keely Hilt Savannah Hoeft Luke Hopkins Ella Horrie Lilianna Houzenga Paige Johnson Zachary Keedy Anna Kindred Caden Kindred Hunter King Kensignton Kleinschmidt Branston Komnick Nicholas Larkin Jacob Lawless Chase Litwiller Kade Lollar Jackson Long Carter Lynch Mia Matter Taylor McCuen Vanaman McKown Grayce Minder Dakota Mugler Peyton Nafziger Easton Nowaski Braden Nystrom Nicholas Olson Jessalyn Otto Connor Overbey Jack Pagel Rylie Passmore Rylan Peifer Hannah Pelkey Corbin Rios Rylee Robb Sarah Rush Brooke Rycyzy Aaron Schrepfer Elizabeth Shaffer Nicholas Siebert Ryan Simpson Kyler Simpson Katherine Springer Emily Stiles Koby Stroud Kaiden Tackett Jordyn Turner Keagan Uphoff Brandon Vollmer Trinity Weeks Kyra West Noah Wheeler Zachary White Kaitlynn Whitecotton Keaton Wille Samantha Williams Bryson Wilson Kaylin Winters Bentley Wise Aime Witham Brandon Wood Nolan Yeary Lucas Yeazle Blake Youngren
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 55 The Lincoln Elementary School District 27 Foundation proudly awards this year’s scholarship to Brynley Laubenstein. The Lincoln Elementary School District 27 Foundation assists in developing, maintaining, and increasing the educational faci¬¬¬lities and services of Lincoln Elementary School District #27. The non-profit, independent foundation's purpose is to promote and support the educational needs of district students and former students through donations, gifts and grants. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, each having a strong commitment to education. The Lincoln Elementary School District 27 Foundation scholarship is annually awarded to a Lincoln Community High School graduate who is a former District 27 student. Scholarship recipients are selected by a committee independent of the Foundation. If you are interested in making a taxdeductible contribution to help provide future opportunities and educational enrichment to the students of Lincoln Elementary School District 27 please contact the District office at 217.732.2522. [Susan Rohrer]
Page 56 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 GFWC Lincoln Woman’s Club is pleased to announce that it awarding two $1000 scholarships for the 2024 scholarship year. These scholarships were made possible by the generous support of members of GFWC Lincoln Woman’s Club. These two scholarships were offered to a graduating female senior from LCHS, Mt. Pulaski High School or Hartsburg Emden High School. The two winners were Grace Davis, a graduating senior from Mt. Pulaski High School and Jenna Bowman, a graduating senior from LCHS. Grace and Jenna were chosen for these scholarships from a very talented pool of female applicants. They will each be recognized at their respective high school graduations. Grace plans to attend the University of Illinois pursuing a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Jenna will be majoring in Education at Illinois College. GFWC Lincoln Woman’s Club
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 57 NORMAL, IL (May 3, 2024) – Four Logan County high school seniors have been selected as new scholarship recipients from the Iva Mae Blaum Trust. They are Elaine Hyde, Joseph Dahmm, Porter Schwantz and Scout Tschantz. They will begin their nursing or agriculture studies in the fall. FOUR LOGAN COUNTY SENIORS SELECTED AS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Elaine Hyde is the daughter of Jeff and Amy Hyde of Lincoln. Elaine has already started her studies at Heartland Community College and plans to transfer to Methodist College in Peoria to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. IVA MAE BLAUM Joseph Dahmm is the son of Andy and Joan Dahmm of Beason. Joseph will begin the CDL program at Lincoln Land Community College in May and intends to receive a general agriculture degree in the semesters to follow. Continued --
Page 58 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Porter Schwantz is the son of Herman and Sara Schwantz of Lincoln. Porter intends to study animal science at Lincoln Land Community College and hopes to compete on the LLCC livestock judging team. Scout Tschantz is the daughter of Rex and Bethany Tschantz of Mt. Pulaski. Scout is also headed to Lincoln Land Community College this fall to prepare for a career as an agricultural instructor at the high school level. The scholarship, given in memory of Arthur B. Blaum and Iva Mae Blaum, is earmarked for Logan County students who are majoring in nursing or agriculture. It may be renewed up to eight undergraduate semesters if the student completes at least 12 credit hours per semester and maintains a B cumulative grade point average and remains committed to his or her initial field of study. Iva Mae Blaum was a graduate of Deaconess Hospital of Lincoln and retired from Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in 1985 after 46 years of service as a surgery supervisor and director of nursing. Her husband was a lifelong farmer in the New Holland area. Mrs. Blaum passed away in August 2015 and the first scholarship was presented in 2016. Since then, Kameron Aylesworth, Lukas Aylesworth, Cierra Crowell, Jacob Kirgan, Maggie Anderson, Molly Schempp, Madison Thomas, Madeline Cook, Ruthie Ruhl, Cole Kindred, Clay Aylesworth, Bailey Billington, Evan Cooper and Tyler Sasse have received scholarships for agriculture studies. Emma O’Donoghue, Grace Skelton, Lauren Turner, Claire Hill, Brooke Kitner, Brooke Montcalm, Ashley Schmidt, Madison Orebaugh, Maura Gowin, Zadie Laubenstein, Alaina Taylor and Shelbi Lund have received scholarships for nursing. Per the terms of Mrs. Blaum’s will, the trust should continue to award scholarships until 2035. Heartland Bank and Trust Company is the trustee of the Iva Mae Blaum Trust.
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Page 60 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 LINCOLN, IL (May 8, 2023) –Three LCHS Seniors have been selected as scholarship recipients of the Lucille Flick Larson Scholarship Trust. They are Clayten Manley, Alison Turner and Jenna Bowman. Mr. Arthur Larson established a scholarship trust in 1994 as a permanent memorial for his wife, Lucille Flick Larson. Mrs. Larson taught school for 38 years. She was a graduate of Lincoln Community High School, and she attended Lincoln College, Normal Teachers’ College, and the University of Michigan. Throughout her career she dedicated herself to excellence in education and provided a caring haven for her students. Heartland Bank and Trust Company is the trustee of the Lucille Flick Larson Scholarship Trust. Awardees receive at least $1,250 per semester for up to eight semesters of their undergraduate career if they maintain a “B” average and continue studies toward a teaching degree. Only graduating seniors of Lincoln Community High School are eligible for selection. Three LCHS Seniors Selected as Lucille Flick Larson Scholarship Awardees Clayten D. Manley is the son of the late Dena Manley. He is attending the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana to major in English with a focus on teaching at the high school level.
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 61 Alison Turner is the daughter of Lynn and Amy Turner and is headed to Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville to study either early childhood education or elementary education. Jenna Bowman will be a student at Illinois College this fall. The daughter of Donnie & Amanda Bowman will pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Past and current Lucille Flick Larson Scholarship recipients include: Carrie Schreiber, Ryan Struebing, Emmary Searby, Adam Schweitzer, Kim Ayars, Leslie Moehring, Amy Rohrer, Brittany Charette, Danielle Peifer, Miranda Stone, Katie Courtwright, Andrew Frost, Ashley Marten, Kenzi Huelskoetter, Corinne O’Donoghue, Rachel Hahn, Nicole Tripplett, Kara Gehlbach, Christine Schick, Kathryn O’Donoghue, Abigail Feldman, Rachael Jones, Dena Boyd, Katelyn Anderson, Shelbie Gleason, Shelby Kottemann, Matthew Barker, Corey Jones, Maggie Cusey, Ashley Erb, Tiffany Strickler, Kathryn Hoefs, Abagail Crowell, Kathryn Nobbe, Maggie Hanger, Alexis Davis, Faith Turley, Addison Yeazle, Alexis Erb, Caroline Ahrends, Drake Rutledge, Tori Schilling, Ryen Stoltzenburg, Sophia Yeazle, Emma Grace Boyd and Gracelyn Keith. Take the next step towards your health and goals CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Page 62 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Kloe Froebe Receives Prestigious P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Kloe Froebe, a senior at Lincoln Community High School, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was nominated by P.E.O. Chapter JW of Lincoln, Illinois. The P.E.O. Star Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships to exceptional women in their final year of high school who are planning to attend an accredited post secondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year. The competitive STAR Scholarship is for women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for success. Kloe, a three-year class president, is now student body president at Lincoln Community
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 63 High School. She is a member of National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, LEAF Club, Library Club, Kindness Club, and was a member of the #2 State Runner-Up Volleyball team. She currently ranks first in her class academically. Kloe is a member of the Lincoln Lady Railers, the 3A Illinois State Championship basketball team. She was named Ms. Basketball of Illinois for 2024, the first Lincoln Community High School Lady Railer to win this honor. She was runner-up for this award in 2023. Kloe was named 2023 - 2024 Gatorade Illinois Girls Basketball Player of the Year and also was named Illinois MaxPreps Player of the Year. Kloe holds 19 of the 29 individual basketball records at Lincoln Community High School and 15 Illinois High School Association state tournament records for girls basketball. Kloe has been named four times to the First Team All-State by the Associated Press, four times to the Illinois Basketball Association All State Team, All Academic team for both the Apollo and Central State 8 conferences, the First Team for the Apollo and Central State 8 conferences, and four times Most Valuable Player. Kloe has donated her time as a youth basketball coach, and has worked on multiple fund-raising campaigns for many organizations, foundations, and non-profits. Kloe will attend Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Her ultimate goal is to become a lawyer. P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been celebrating women helping women reach for the stars for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $432 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education while supporting and motivating them. In addition to the educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members. What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America with close to 5,500 chapters. P.E.O. Chapter JW has been a part of the Lincoln community since it was organized in 1961. To learn more about P.E.O., its powerful educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from its programs, visit peointernational.org. [Susan Rohrer]
Page 64 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Jacob Lawrence recipient of Walt Landers Wrestling Scholarship The Lincoln Area Wrestling Boosters Association is pleased to announce Jacob Lawrence has been awarded the Walt Landers Wrestling Scholarship for the 2023-24 school year. Jacob will receive $1,000.00 to apply towards his tuition as he prepares to attend Parkland College this fall. Jacob began his wrestling career at the age of four competing for Lincoln Youth Wrestling. He also wrestled three years at Lincoln Junior High School where he was an IESA State Qualifier in 2019. During his four years at Lincoln Community High School his wrestling career included earning his Varsity letter all four years, regional champion in 2024, and a three-time sectional qualifier. He was also named to the All-Conference team for three years and was a team captain for LCHS in 2023 and 2024. During his senior year he broke the school record for most three point near-falls in a season with 62, surpassing the old record set over 45 years ago by Dave Jocson with 45. Other LCHS wrestling awards Jacob received were the Joey Boughn Helping Hands Award in 2023 and the Floyd Bee Memorial Senior Leadership award in 2024. Other activities Jacob participated in for all four years at LCHS were Golf and FFA. He received a State FFA degree in 2023. Jacob will be attending Parkland College in Champaign where he is enrolled in the Case IH Agriculture Deisel Mechanics Program He will be sponsored by Central Illinois Ag in Atlanta. The scholarship is available to any senior wrestler, statistician or manager involved in the Lincoln Community High School Wrestling program. Candidates are required to have three or more years of experience within the sport of wrestling at LCHS to be eligible.
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 65 A list of the requirements are as follows: ● Any senior wrestler, statistician, or manager that has been involved in the wrestling program at LCHS for at least three years (including senior year) ● Cumulative GPA 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale after seven semesters ● Recommendation letter from at least one coach ● Plan to attend a two or four-year college or trade school the fall semester post- graduation For more information about the Walt Landers Wrestling Scholarship or if you are interested in donating, please contact Amy Lawrence 217-737-9522.
Page 66 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 The 79th and final graduation ceremony for Lincoln Christian University was held in the Earl C. Hargrove Chapel at Open Arms Church Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. Lincoln Christian University honors its legacy as it celebrates its final commencement With the reduction of students receiving their education on campus these last two years, the traditional format of a morning ceremony for undergraduates and an afternoon seminary commencement changed to a single ceremony for all class of 2024 graduates. Eighty students were awarded degrees Saturday with many others graduating in absentia. LCU alumna Linda Storm performed an organ prelude. “Holy is He” was performed as the processional with Storm on the organ and Professor Emeritus of Worship Ministry Jeffrey Colleen on the piano. The congregational hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy" was led by Dr. Darin Akin, Adjunct Professor of Worship Ministry followed by an invocation given by Janet Shaw, Professor Emeritus of English and Interdisciplinary Studies. LCU President Dr. Silas McCormick warmly welcomed everyone to the graduation ceremony and said May 4 marked the 80th anniversary of the day the school was established. Dr. McCormick said that we are here to have a tremendous send off, and is not to be taken lightly. The 2024 President’s Distinguished Service Awards were given to Dr. Brian Messner, LCU Vice President of Academics and Professor of History and Dr. Teresa Roberts, Vice President of Institutional Research and Effectiveness and Professor of Ministry and Christian Formation at Ozark Christian College. Dr. McCormick said both have assisted in the school’s transition. This year, Dr. Messner has worked tirelessly on behalf of the LCU community by Continued --
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 67 addressing the transfer and graduation acceleration needs of the students. He helped fulfill the school’s obligations to state, federal and accrediting bodies while devoting considerable attention to the emotional and spiritual well-being of the students, faculty and staff during a time of great adversity. Dr. Messner lives the loyalty, faithfulness and care of a servant leader. Dr. Roberts has led the efforts of Ozark Christian College to secure necessary approvals for the continuation of Lincoln Christian Seminary as Lincoln Seminary at Ozark Christian College. Dr. Roberts’ work has been marked by selfless perseverance in helping others. It has also ensured and expanded access to Restoration Movement graduate theological education, providing a pathway forward for [LCU’s] non-graduating seminary students, while helping establish a living legacy for Lincoln Christian Seminary. Dr. McCormick then introduced speakers Ellie Koranek, an LCU graduate who was receiving her Master of Divinity and Dr. Mark Scott, Lead Minister at Park Plaza Christian Church. Over the past two years, Dr. McCormick said Koranek has led the small but incredibly faithful band of local students around campus who have conducted weekly worship gatherings. Dr. McCormick said this group has made the season of LCU far better than he could have hoped for because of their deep care for each other and for us (the faculty and staff). LCU graduate Dr. Mark Scott has served at Park Plaza Christian Church since 2021 and has ministered in various churches in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Colorado since 1972. In addition to his ministry in churches, Dr. Scott has served in higher education for over 40 years. He taught Preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri from 1983 until 2011 and served as the college’s Academic Dean. Dr. Scott next pursued a ministry position at Mountainview Christian Church in Highlands Ranch Colorado from 2011 until 2014. From 2014 until 2021, Dr. Scott returned to Ozark to serve as Professor of Preaching and New Testament. Dr. Scott also did adjunct teaching at LCU for several years. Dr. Scott graduated from Ozark Christian College in 1976 then earned a Master of Divinity degree from Lincoln Christian Seminary in 1983 and Doctor of Ministry degree from Denver Seminary in 2006. Besides writing for several publications and having a regular column in the Christian Standard, Dr. Scott has also contributed chapters to numerous books and written several books. His most recent book is Letting
Page 68 CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 the Text Win, which he co-authored with Dr. J.K. Jones. In concluding his remarks, Dr. McCormick reminded everyone that in Jesus’ earthly ministry, he did not create a Rabbinical school. Jesus did not even write anything down unless it was in the dirt, which has long since blown away. Even so, Dr. McCormick said institutions are terribly important. He and others worked very hard the past seven months to steward LCU’s institutional legacy by working to pass along the seminary to Ozark, passing on portions of the library to Abilene University and Taviriski Christian Institute and managing to keep a small part of LCU continuing as Lincoln Christian Institute. However, Dr. McCormick said none of those things can ever compare to the legacy that lives in you [the graduates and alumni]. In part, Dr. McCormick is here today because a family in turmoil found hope and calm in a church led by an LCU graduate. That story or one like it can be found all over the globe today and will remain true long after the institution is gone. What Dr. McCormick wanted everyone to remember is that adversity is not an accident, not necessarily the result of poor planning or bad luck or mistakes. Adversity is a guaranteed part of life, a guaranteed part of a professional career and a guaranteed part of ministry. As the Apostle Paul once said, adversity and suffering make us look like Jesus and is part of the reason we have authority to speak about who Jesus is. When it feels like adversity has cost you more than you can bear to pay, Dr. McCormick said to remember making disciples starts with us. That is all the legacy we will ever need. Following Dr. Scott’s address, joyful students filed across the stage receiving their diplomas and warm congratulations for the leadership of Lincoln Christian University. Once the graduation ceremony ended, graduates celebrated with family and friends as many gathered both inside and outside the
CLASS OF 2024 LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM MAY / JUNE 2024 Page 69 chapel for family pictures as well as hugs from family, friends, and fellow students. Though this was the final graduation ceremony at LCU, the legacy of the school will continue for years to come. The Legacy of LCU On Saturday, Class of 2024 graduate with a Master in Divinity, Ellie Koranek was the first speaker at the 79th Commencement at Lincoln Christian University. Koranek’s devotional was titled “The Legacy of LCU: The Character of Christ.” Over the past eight months, Koranek said there has been talk about LCU’s history and local, regional and global impact. There has also been talk about the names, traditions, artifacts, the buildings, the heritage and legacy of an institution that has been here so many years. Although Koranek has not found much interest in many of these conversations, she has been pondering what it means to be one of the last graduating students at the school. She has wondered what academic foundation one has when their alma mater shuts down. Next Koranek asked what legacy is there to carry on when the name of the seminary will soon crown the door of a different building on a different campus in a different state. Koranek has questioned what difference has it made or will it make that she went to school at LCU. As Koranek first walked through the campus over six years ago, she never would have imagined her time at LCU would end this way with the school closing and the opportunities she has been given. When Koranek transferred to LCU in spring 2018, she had a desire to get educated, get out and get going. Koranek commuted to campus and said she had no real desire to make friends, to be cared for by faculty and staff or to receive anything more than the education she came here for. Soon, however, Koranek found herself making friends. She realized professors learned about her than just her name and academic abilities. Koranek got jobs in the library and Student Development Office. She did not just learn about ministry but began receiving ministry from those who cared deeply about their students. Over and over, Koranek began to recognize how the campus provided the most beautiful revelation of Jesus Christ and his people she had ever seen. For Koranek, the difference it has made and will make is that we [the graduates] were discipled by the people who carried Christ’s character within themselves. The legacy of LCU has helped the students nurture the character of Christ within themselves. The gospel of the crucified Lord and risen savior is at work in this place. While recognizing the change these past two years, Koranek remembered many truths. Her word is to remember the legacy of LCU is not the numbers, the statistics, the property or buildings. It is not even the diplomas, but it is the character of Christ revealed in the people who have worked, taught and studied here. Koranek thanked God for the ways her professors helped her better know God and His Son. As she mentioned several undergraduate and
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