Tess De Pretis

The Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and Student Laureate of Illinois: "The top students representing Illinois colleges and universities are honored by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. The ceremony to recognize the Student Laureates of The Lincoln Academy is historically held every fall at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield. The Lincoln Academy recognizes excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities by seniors from each of the states four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from the community colleges in Illinois. The award is given with a congratulatory statement by Governor J. B. Pritzker, the President of the Lincoln Academy, Academy Vice Chancellor, The Honorable Ron Spears, and Chancellor Frank Clark. Laureates speak to each of the four recognized pillars of Abraham Lincolns leadership, and these include: courage empathy, honesty, and integrity. Student Laureates receive a letter and certificate of merit signed by Gov. Pritzker, a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin, and a check from The Lincoln Academy."