Lincoln-Way West High School is proud to announce that Jenna Davis, a 2022 graduate, has been named a 2025 Student Lincoln Laureate. This is one of the highest honors given to undergraduate students in Illinois. Each year, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois selects one senior from every four-year college and university in the state. Students are chosen for their strong leadership, service to others, and positive impact on their communities. Davis, now a senior at Columbia College Chicago, was selected as Columbia’s 2025 honoree.
The Student Laureate Award recognizes individuals who show a strong commitment to helping others and improving the world around them. Davis has demonstrated these qualities throughout her time at Columbia, both through her artwork and through her service work on campus.
Davis is a multidisciplinary artist who works in abstract painting, collage, and photography. She is completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in fine arts with a minor in arts in healthcare at Columbia College Chicago. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master's degree in art therapy. She hopes to support mental health and healing through creative expression.
In addition to her artistic work, Davis has made a lasting impact through her leadership. During her first semester in Columbia’s Student Government Association, she worked with the college’s facilities team to design new recycling and garbage signage. This project has improved campus sustainability. Davis also created an annual Earth Day Clean-Up, now in its third year, and organized Columbia’s first Earth Day Symposium in 2024. The event featured speakers who shared information and ideas about sustainability.
Davis is currently in her second year as president of the Student Government Association. She represents more than 4,000 students and works with college leaders on projects that support the Columbia community. She is known for leading with empathy and for her dedication ensuring student voices are heard.
“We are incredibly proud of Jenna and all she has accomplished,” said Dr. Ted Robbins, Lincoln-Way West principal. “Her leadership, creativity, and compassion reflect the values we hope to inspire in all our students. This honor recognizes the many ways she is making a difference on her campus and beyond.”
Davis was honored at the official Lincoln Laureate ceremony in October. More information about the Student Laureate program can be found through the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.