First Parkland Student Named Lincoln Academy Student Laureate

The ceremony was held on Saturday, October 18 at the University of Chicago

One student is the first from Parkland College named a Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate.

Parkland sophomore Rebekah Maxwell has accepted the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. In the spirit of Lincoln, this award is in recognition of leadership and a desire to make a difference in the world through civic engagement, both on campus and beyond.

Maxwell, a Gifford native who studies elementary education at Parkland, joins a distinguished group of collegiate students in Illinois and becomes an exemplar for other up-and-coming young professionals.

"I feel truly honored to be named a Student Laureate for Illinois community colleges," Maxwell said. "It's very humbling that I get to be the first student from Parkland College to win the award. Being a full-time student, working part-time, and volunteering at my church and in the community, this award is an encouragement to keep pressing on in what I’m pursuing."

The 2025 award, signed by the President of the Lincoln Academy Governor JB Pritzker and Chancellor of the Lincoln Academy Todd Shapiro, comes with a $1,000 stipend, a challenge coin, and a Lincoln Medallion to be worn at the Parkland College commencement ceremony to signify the Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy.

"Every year, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois recognizes excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities by seniors from each of the state’s four-year colleges and universities. Additionally, the Academy recognizes one student from among the state’s 48 community colleges," said Parkland President Pamela Lau. "We are proud to see one of our students named 2025 Student Laureate, the first from Parkland College. This is a terrific honor for Rebekah in recognition of her leadership, civic engagement, and contributions to Parkland College and beyond."

Maxwell, her family, Dr. Lau, and Parkland Dean of Students Dr. Marietta Turner attended this year’s Student Laureate ceremony on Saturday, October 18 at the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago. Award recipients are part of a remarkable group of Student Laureates who are living and have lived their lives following in the unparalleled footsteps of President Lincoln.

In addition to honoring the state's Student Laureates, Illinois is unique in the United States in selecting present or former citizens who have made outstanding contributions toward the progress and betterment of humanity to be honored as Laureates of the Lincoln Academy and receive the "Order of Lincoln" from the Governor, a process since 1964.

Proceeds from the spring Laureate Convocation are used to support the Student Laureate program each fall.

For more information, visit LincolnAcademyIllinois.org or Lincoln Academy on social media.