CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Parkland College sophomore Rebekah Maxwell has made history as the first student from the college to be named a Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate.

Maxwell, an elementary education major from Gifford, received the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award in recognition of her leadership and commitment to community service both on campus and beyond. The honor celebrates Illinois college students who exemplify integrity, dedication, and a desire to make a difference in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln.

The award includes a $1,000 stipend, a challenge coin, and a Lincoln Medallion, which Maxwell will wear at Parkland’s commencement ceremony next spring.

Parkland President Pamela Lau praised Maxwell’s recognition as a milestone for the college, noting that the Lincoln Academy annually honors one student from each Illinois community college.

Maxwell accepted the award during a ceremony on October 18 at the University of Chicago’s David Rubenstein Forum, joining a select group of Student Laureates from across the state.

For more information on the Lincoln Academy and its Student Laureate program, visit LincolnAcademyIllinois.org.