Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 recognized exceptional students who completed the Read for a Lifetime program, with several achieving the rare distinction of reading 100 books over four years of high school.

The Read for a Lifetime program is a statewide high school reading initiative where Illinois high schools receive a list of 25 book titles annually. Students who read at least four titles receive certificates from Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias.

Lincoln Way consistently leads state participation in the program. Last year, Lincoln Way students comprised at least 50% of all participants statewide, demonstrating the district’s commitment to literacy and reading excellence.

Lincoln Way West had impressive participation with 58 students and seven staff members completing this year’s program, reading a total of 561 books. Sixteen students and one teacher read all 25 books, while eight students participated all four years.

The highlight from West was senior Abigail Nash, who achieved the prestigious 100-title milestone by reading 25 books each year of high school. Nash will attend the University of Alabama to study biology on a pre-med track. Remarkably, she is the third student from her family to achieve this honor, with two more family members expected to reach the milestone in coming years.

Lincoln Way Central had 49 total participants with 42 students and seven staff members completing requirements. They read 424 books total, with eight students and one teacher reading all 25 titles. Two students, Ruby Hilligas and Ednatada Yasin, participated all four years. While Central had no 100-title inductees this year, librarians noted strong readers in underclassman ranks.

Lincoln Way East showed exceptional participation with 89 students reading 1,118 books total. Nine seniors achieved the 100-title distinction, with 33 students and staff member Carol McCrory reading all 25 titles.

The five 100-title recipients from East include Matthew Hoppenrath, who will attend Michigan State University studying computational data science and analytics; Kaylee Johnson, attending Oberlin College for a triple major in history, law and society while also swimming competitively; and Amanda Shunts, who will study biology at Indiana University with goals of pursuing marine biology.

Two other East students, Blaine and Nolani, also achieved the 100-title milestone but were unable to attend the recognition ceremony.

Librarian Jennifer Broman Bender noted the exceptional participation: “Lincoln Way has the highest participation in the state.” She explained that the program encourages lifelong reading habits and exposes students to diverse literature they might not otherwise encounter.

The recognition reflects the district’s broader commitment to academic excellence and literacy development. Reading program participation often correlates with improved academic performance across subjects and better preparation for college-level coursework.

Staff participation in the program, with teachers and librarians reading alongside students, demonstrates the district’s culture of lifelong learning and sets an example for student engagement.

The program’s success at Lincoln Way suggests effective promotion by librarians and teachers, as well as a student body that values reading and academic achievement. With strong participation from underclassman, the district can expect continued high achievement in future years.

Parents and community members attended the recognition ceremony, highlighting the district’s commitment to celebrating academic achievements beyond traditional test scores and athletic accomplishments.