Lincoln-Way East Receives the Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Award
Last night at a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, Lincoln-Way East High School was honored with the Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Award, recognizing our school’s dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.
Representing Lincoln-Way East at the event were Principal Toriano Griggs, Science Department Chair Maria Wilson, and Math Department Chair Julie Flitcraft, who proudly accepted the award from Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders and Governor JB Pritzker.
Principal Griggs shared, “This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and pride shown every day by our incredible students, staff, families, and community. Together, they make Lincoln-Way East a place where excellence continues to thrive.”
Congratulations to the entire Griffin family on this outstanding honor!
Go East! Go Griffins! Go Blue!
Last night at a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, Lincoln-Way East High School was honored with the Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Award, recognizing our school’s dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.
Representing Lincoln-Way East at the event were Principal Toriano Griggs, Science Department Chair Maria Wilson, and Math Department Chair Julie Flitcraft, who proudly accepted the award from Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders and Governor JB Pritzker.
Principal Griggs shared, “This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and pride shown every day by our incredible students, staff, families, and community. Together, they make Lincoln-Way East a place where excellence continues to thrive.”
Congratulations to the entire Griffin family on this outstanding honor!
Go East! Go Griffins! Go Blue!


After the AP Exam, students in Mr. McCleish's AP Government classes participated in a lobbying project where they researched legislation, developed and defended a position, and connected directly with elected officials.
Juniors Huda Boulahbal and Kaitlyn Aranowski chose to advocate for HB4438, the “State Bee Designation” bill, and reached out to State Senator Michael Hastings through multiple avenues to share their support. Senator Hastings responded live from the Senate Floor, pledging to vote in favor of the bill!
Today, Senator Hastings visited Mr. McCleish's 2nd hour AP Gov class to discuss the importance of lobbying, civic engagement, and the impact students can make when they use their voices.
McCleish praised Huda and Kaitlyn along with their classmates for applying what they learned in class to the real world and demonstrating the power of active citizenship.
Juniors Huda Boulahbal and Kaitlyn Aranowski chose to advocate for HB4438, the “State Bee Designation” bill, and reached out to State Senator Michael Hastings through multiple avenues to share their support. Senator Hastings responded live from the Senate Floor, pledging to vote in favor of the bill!
Today, Senator Hastings visited Mr. McCleish's 2nd hour AP Gov class to discuss the importance of lobbying, civic engagement, and the impact students can make when they use their voices.
McCleish praised Huda and Kaitlyn along with their classmates for applying what they learned in class to the real world and demonstrating the power of active citizenship.



To make studying more fun, Señor Shannon’s Spanish classes made review games to prepare for final exams. ¡Qué creativos!

East Graduates! Don't forget to pick up your diplomas this week at Lincoln-Way East (Door #1) . Bring your ID to receive your diploma. Only students can pick up their own diploma, no parents/guardians. Thank you in advance!

Congratulations to our students who officially exited the EL program after demonstrating English proficiency on the ACCESS test! 🎉👏
This is a huge accomplishment and a reflection of all their hard work and growth over the years. We are so proud of you!
This is a huge accomplishment and a reflection of all their hard work and growth over the years. We are so proud of you!


Support the May Class Officers at East by joining us for a Dine & Donate fundraiser at Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Frankfort on May 20th from 5:00-8:00pm!

Over the last two weeks, more than 1,300 students at Lincoln-Way East took over 2,500 AP Exams! We are incredibly proud of their hard work and commitment. Thank you to faculty and families for supporting our AP students. #griffinswithgrit

Congratulations to our Class of 2026!
Go East! Go Griffins! Go Blue!

Due to the inclement weather forecasted for tomorrow, Saturday, May 16, we have adjusted the graduation ceremony time. Lincoln-Way East's graduation ceremony will now take place at 1:00 p.m. Check your email for more information.
Gates to the stadium for LW East spectators open at 11:30AM.
Graduates arrive at 12:00pm to the auditorium in their seats.
Gates to the stadium for LW East spectators open at 11:30AM.
Graduates arrive at 12:00pm to the auditorium in their seats.

Over the weekend, our Best Buddies students attended the Buddy Ball. Thank you to everyone who helped make this amazing event possible!







LWE alumni and CFO Ken Andresen came to speak to Miss VandenBerg's AP Statistics classes about how to use Excel.



Graduation Practice Reminder!
Friday, May 15th
Graduation practice is mandatory for all graduates. Please arrive on time and be prepared for all graduation instructions and procedures. Following practice, graduates are invited to attend the picnic in the stadium!

Future Business Leaders of America will be holding a fundraiser during all lunch hours on Friday, May 15th. Cash, card and Apple Pay are accepted. No student ID can be used.

These past two days have been egg-cellent in Mr. Mulconrey's classroom. Students and staff are enjoying all of the hatching fun.


Yesterday the LWE Exemplary Student Research Program team presented their findings amongst some of the country's leading scientists. Mr. Benjamin Voliva led his team with their research in the fabrication and characterization of high performance of superconducting microwave resonator for quantum computing applications.



Griffins! Next week let's celebrate our Class of 2026 seniors all week long by participating as a school for Senior Spirit Week!

Griffins! Special Games is almost upon us. Show your pride and support by wearing your Special Games t-shirt or wear BLUE in support of our athletes. Let’s fill the school with blue and cheer on our athletes all day long!

Congratulations to our 2025–2026 Read for a Lifetime Recipients!
We are so proud to recognize this year’s outstanding readers who went above and beyond in their love for books and learning. Your dedication and commitment to reading have truly set you apart.
We are so proud to recognize this year’s outstanding readers who went above and beyond in their love for books and learning. Your dedication and commitment to reading have truly set you apart.



Congratulations to the following students who earned bronze, silver or gold on the National German Exam!
Level 4: Alexander Hendel
Level 3: Logan Fox, Nathaniel Bafia, Isaac Marlin, Stephen Langdon, and Eliana Herbst
Level 2: Xander De Vries, Cole Marron, Kyle Wilamowski, Nathaniel Schantz, Jacob Schroeder, Kellen Donovan and Jacob Wagner
Herzlichen Glückwunsch! "
Level 4: Alexander Hendel
Level 3: Logan Fox, Nathaniel Bafia, Isaac Marlin, Stephen Langdon, and Eliana Herbst
Level 2: Xander De Vries, Cole Marron, Kyle Wilamowski, Nathaniel Schantz, Jacob Schroeder, Kellen Donovan and Jacob Wagner
Herzlichen Glückwunsch! "

Interact Club has been busy this week making signs for Special Games athletes!




