Conner Moody, Brimfield High School  

The faculty of Brimfield High School chose Conner Moody as their Lincoln Senior Award recipient due to his 4.O GPA, National Honor Society Membership and personal qualities.  He engages in rigorous coursework in a collaborative fashion.  He is active outside the classroom including football, band, chess, scholastic bowl and the academic challenge team.  Outside the school, he has been a Boy Scout leader, an IHSA referee, and a tech consultant.

Kathryn McMeyer, Dunlap High School

Kathryn McMeyer was chosen as Lincoln Senior Award recipient as an outstanding history and social science student but also someone that does exceptionally well in every class. In the history and social science classroom she shows outstanding leadership qualities and focuses on patterns and connections rather than memorization.  Her critical thinking skills help to encourage an atmosphere of thought-provoking questions and answers.

Kaylin Williams, Elmwood High School

The Lincoln Senior Award at Elwood High School went to a Valedictorian, Kaylin Williams, who is involved in athletics and the fine arts and is a leader in various organizations.  She is an Illinois State Scholar with a full load of advanced and dual credit classes. She is in the National Honor Society and serves in the Key Club and the Student Leadership Team.  Outside of school she has two jobs and is in the Community Municipal Band

Meaghan Carpenter, Farmington Central High School

Meaghan Carpenter was chosen as the Lincoln Senior Award winner at Farmington Central High School for her leadership in her American Government class and the National Honors Society at the high school. She places her academic learning first and helps others by tutoring and leading in the development of resources for her peers in American Government.  She helped organize United Sports Day, a Veterans Day event, and the Santa’s Workshop for elementary students.

Will George, Illini Bluffs High School

Illini Bluffs High chose Will George as its Lincoln Senior Award recipient for the combination of being self-directed, a solid student, a strong athlete, and an actor.  He has exceptional leadership skills and a passion for helping others.  He had the lead role in two plays and was in the Drama Club for four years.  He has been captain on the track team and played soccer.  He works four hours a day as Senior Technology Assistant for which he is paid.

Seth Green, Illinois Valley Central High School

The Lincoln Senior Award selection from Illinois Valley Central High School is Seth Green for his hard work and achievement particularly in history and government and for hist belief in the values of America.  He exemplifies the ideals of the Boy Scouts of which he is a part.  A strong academic student, he takes challenging classes. In IVC’s Socratic Seminars he volunteered for the facilitator role with which he led and helped others.

Victoria Bartolo, Limestone Community High School

The Lincoln Senior Award selection from Limestone Community High School is Victoria Bartolo who is always doing something to improve herself and the world.  She has a demanding schedule of early college and AP classes.  She helped develop and implement the successful Freshman Launch program.  She is student council president who was twice named Outstanding Student Council Member due to many leadership efforts.  She is a member of the volleyball team.

Amar Thomas, Manual High School

Manual High School chose Amar Thomas as their recipient of the Lincoln Senior Award because of his leadership, integrity, academic excellence and community service.  He has maintained a top-tier GPA while taking Enriched and AP courses.  He is pursuing a certificate in culinary arts.  He is known by teachers and fellow students for kindness, dependability, and perseverance.   He has volunteered countless hours with SkillsUSA through his church in a desire to uplift others.

Elseth Hailu, Peoria Christian High School

Elseth Hailu was selected by Peoria Christian High School for the Lincoln Senior Award based on her academic performance and dedication to understanding the world.  She comes to class prepared and works well with others. She is on the Key Club Board at the state level.  She organized an event to raise money for children with birth defects.  She is on the tennis and track teams and participates in the PCS Worship Team.  She is part of Peoria area ballet performances.

Cameron Ahart, Peoria Heights High School

The Peoria Heights High School recipient of the Lincoln Senior Award is Cameron Ahart who excels academically especially in the Social Sciences.  He has a great deal of empathy which he demonstrates by participating in service organizations.  He has taken many honors and AP classes where he is very active in class.  He has participated in the Student Council, Key Club, baseball and basketball teams.  He was a captain on the basketball team.

Zkiyah Richardson, Peoria High School

Zkiyah Richardson is the Peoria High School’s Senior Award selection for 2025 because of her civic mindedness and school spirit. She is active in clubs and events with many responsibilities and is almost a teacher’s assistant in the classroom.  She works in middle schools doing peer mentoring and has a job with Art Inc working with elementary students.  She maintains a high GPA while taking AP, enriched and dual credit courses.

Allison (Alli) Sticklemaier, Peoria Notre Dame High School    

Peoria Notre Dame High School’s Allison (Alli) Sticklemaier was selected for the Lincoln Senior Award because of how well she has navigated her high school years despite challenges.  Her academic record reflects a commitment to excellence and helping others. She is a diligent student with a strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity.  She also was a member of a state championship basketball team contributing leadership and teamwork.

Ethan Tortat, Peoria Regional Learning Center

This year’s Lincoln Senior Award recipient at Peoria Regional Leaning Center is Ethan Tortat for his resilience and determination in leading to success.  He has overcome hardships and academic challenges.  In school he has shown traits of curiosity, self-discipline and desire to learn. There is also his leadership through asking hard questions, serving as a role model, celebrating accomplishments of others and service in school clubs.

Jack Lied, Princeville High School

Princeville High School chose Jack Lied as their Lincoln Senior Award recipient for this year.  He is a determined, hardworking student and works well with others. He goes beyond what is done in class due to a genuine curiosity and desire to learn.  He takes on leadership roles in clubs and sports teams.  He communicates clearly and is well rounded in mastering both the sciences and the social sciences.  He embodies honesty and humility in dealing with others.

Gabe Martinez, Richwoods High School

Gabe Martinez is the Richwoods High School selection for Lincoln Senior Award recipient.  He was an outstanding student in AP U.S. History with a deep understanding of complex historical topics.  He demonstrated leadership in the classroom both in discussions and helping others understand difficult concepts. He has also been a leader in sports as captain in both football and wrestling, demonstrating a deep sense of responsibility to motivate his teammates.

John Morris, President & CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum

John Morris is the President and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum, where he’s helped transform it into a vibrant cultural destination. A Peoria Public School alum and Richwoods High School graduate, he is the first native Peorian to lead the museum. Since 2017, he’s boosted fundraising, expanded educational programs like the Evey Student Initiative, which gives Peoria Public Schools students a free museum tour, and brought in major exhibitions that put the museum on the national stage. With a passion for community, John has helped raise over $100 million for local causes and held leadership roles at Eureka College, WTVP, and on the Peoria City Council.