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!
Student Council collected over 1000 pounds of food for the food pantry at tonight's football game!!
Our East staff is ready to kick off the 2026–2027 school year! Let’s make it a great first day and an even greater year!
GO EAST!
GO GRIFFINS!
GO BLUE!
GO EAST!
GO GRIFFINS!
GO BLUE!
Activity Fair-Wednesday, August 26
During all lunch hours on Wednesday, August 26, all students are invited to attend the Activity Fair in our cafeteria.
This is a great opportunity to:
**Learn about activities and clubs available
**Pick up a flyer with all first-semester activity dates
**Find out how to get involved and make the most of your school year!
Questions? See Mrs. Pearson in Room 115.
During all lunch hours on Wednesday, August 26, all students are invited to attend the Activity Fair in our cafeteria.
This is a great opportunity to:
**Learn about activities and clubs available
**Pick up a flyer with all first-semester activity dates
**Find out how to get involved and make the most of your school year!
Questions? See Mrs. Pearson in Room 115.
Optional Opportunity
Freshman & Transfer Students
Friday, August 14 @ Lincoln-Way East
Time Frame: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Students are welcome to stop in anytime during the orientation window.
• A guided tour will take approximately 20–25 minutes with our Griffin Crew members.
• Following the guided tour, students may walk through their schedule independently and revisit classrooms as needed.
• Students DO NOT need to stay for the full two-hour time frame.
• Come for as little or as much time as needed to feel comfortable, familiar, and prepared for the first day of school!
Griffin Families,
We hope everyone is safe following the storms and power outages that have impacted our community. Due to the weather and the challenges caused by the outages, we have made a few adjustments to this week’s schedule.
Below is an updated schedule for Thursday, 8/13 (tomorrow) and Friday, 8/14
Thursday, August 13
Open House | 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday’s Open House will take place as originally scheduled from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Families are welcome to stop by during this time.
Freshman Device Pickup & ID Photos | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Freshman students should report to the Lincoln-Way East cafeteria between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to:
Pick up their school-issued device
Have their photo taken for their student ID
Transfer Student Device Pickup & Orientation
11:00 am –1:00 pm – Device pickup in the cafeteria
1:00–2:30 p.m. – Transfer Student Orientation
First-Time East Parent Meeting | 12:00 p.m.
Our First-Time East Parent Meeting will take place at noon in the Main Gym. This meeting is designed for parents and guardians who are new to Lincoln-Way East and will provide important information to help you and your student get off to a great start.
Friday, August 14
Optional Freshman & Transfer Student Tours | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
We will offer optional guided tours for freshmen and transfer students. This is an additional opportunity for students to walk through the building, locate their classrooms, become more familiar with East, and feel more comfortable before the first day of school.
Device Pickup | 10:00 am –12:00 pm
If your student is unable to pick up their device on Thursday, they may stop by the cafeteria between 10:00 am and noon on Friday.
*Note: If your student is unable to pick up their device on Thursday or Friday, devices will be available for pickup in the Main Office from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.*
We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility as we make these adjustments following the storms. We know this has been an unusual start to the school year, but we are excited to welcome our students and families back to East and get the 2026–2027 school year underway.
Please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing everyone!
GO EAST!
GO GRIFFINS!
GO BLUE!
Due to the recent storm and ongoing power outage, tomorrow's Freshman & Transfer Student Orientation will need to be postponed or canceled. Be sure to check your email for more information.
Griffin Crew training is set and they are ready for our incoming Freshman on Wednesday, August 12th for Freshman Orientation!
This is a student only event. Here is what to expect on this day:
*Pick Up Your Student Laptop, Folder & Schedule
*Student ID photo taken, not yearbook photo
*Tour the building with our Griffin Crew mentors
*Meet New Students
Doors open for Student ID photos at 10:00am. Enter through DOOR #40.
It is advised that the Child Health Examination form, which also serves as their sports/band physical, be uploaded electronically to your Skyward Account no later than the first day of school on August 19th. In addition, the state of Illinois requires a dental exam for all freshmen.
NOTE: If you are unable to attend email cdobson@lw210.org to schedule a pick up time for your device & folder.
For more information email jaime.pearson@lw210.org
This is a student only event. Here is what to expect on this day:
*Pick Up Your Student Laptop, Folder & Schedule
*Student ID photo taken, not yearbook photo
*Tour the building with our Griffin Crew mentors
*Meet New Students
Doors open for Student ID photos at 10:00am. Enter through DOOR #40.
It is advised that the Child Health Examination form, which also serves as their sports/band physical, be uploaded electronically to your Skyward Account no later than the first day of school on August 19th. In addition, the state of Illinois requires a dental exam for all freshmen.
NOTE: If you are unable to attend email cdobson@lw210.org to schedule a pick up time for your device & folder.
For more information email jaime.pearson@lw210.org
East Families,
We are excited to welcome our students and families back for the 2026–2027 school year!
We are just one week away from our Lincoln-Way East Back-to-School Open House, and we hope you'll join us on Thursday, August 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This optional event is open to all Lincoln-Way East students and is a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the first day of school.
During your visit, students can:
*Locate their classrooms
*Access their lockers
*Walk through their class schedules
*Purchase Lincoln-Way East spirit wear
Parents and guardians are welcome to attend alongside their student, but attendance is not required.
If you are the parent or guardian of a transfer student or this is your first child entering high school, we invite you to attend our New Parent Information Meeting.
Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lincoln-Way East Auditorium
This meeting is designed to help families feel confident and informed as they begin their high school journey. Learn about the resources, programs, and support systems available at Lincoln-Way East, and discover how we partner with families to help every student succeed.
We look forward to seeing many of you on August 13 as we kick off another exciting year at Lincoln-Way East. Here's to a fantastic 2026–2027 school year!
Go Griffins!
We are excited to welcome our students and families back for the 2026–2027 school year!
We are just one week away from our Lincoln-Way East Back-to-School Open House, and we hope you'll join us on Thursday, August 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This optional event is open to all Lincoln-Way East students and is a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the first day of school.
During your visit, students can:
*Locate their classrooms
*Access their lockers
*Walk through their class schedules
*Purchase Lincoln-Way East spirit wear
Parents and guardians are welcome to attend alongside their student, but attendance is not required.
If you are the parent or guardian of a transfer student or this is your first child entering high school, we invite you to attend our New Parent Information Meeting.
Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lincoln-Way East Auditorium
This meeting is designed to help families feel confident and informed as they begin their high school journey. Learn about the resources, programs, and support systems available at Lincoln-Way East, and discover how we partner with families to help every student succeed.
We look forward to seeing many of you on August 13 as we kick off another exciting year at Lincoln-Way East. Here's to a fantastic 2026–2027 school year!
Go Griffins!
East Freshman!
We are excited to welcome the Class of 2030 to LWE on Wednesday, August 12th for Freshman Orientation. This is a student only event. Here is what to expect on this day:
*Pick Up Your Student Laptop, Folder & Schedule
*Student ID photo taken, not yearbook photo
*Tour the building with our Griffin Crew mentors
*Meet New Students
Doors open for Student ID photos at 10:00am. Enter through DOOR #40.
It is advised that the Child Health Examination form, which also serves as their sports/band physical, be uploaded electronically to your Skyward Account no later than the first day of school on August 19th. In addition, the state of Illinois requires a dental exam for all freshmen.
NOTE: If you are unable to attend email cdobson@lw210.org to schedule a pick up time for your device & folder.
For more information email jaime.pearson@lw210.org
We are excited to welcome the Class of 2030 to LWE on Wednesday, August 12th for Freshman Orientation. This is a student only event. Here is what to expect on this day:
*Pick Up Your Student Laptop, Folder & Schedule
*Student ID photo taken, not yearbook photo
*Tour the building with our Griffin Crew mentors
*Meet New Students
Doors open for Student ID photos at 10:00am. Enter through DOOR #40.
It is advised that the Child Health Examination form, which also serves as their sports/band physical, be uploaded electronically to your Skyward Account no later than the first day of school on August 19th. In addition, the state of Illinois requires a dental exam for all freshmen.
NOTE: If you are unable to attend email cdobson@lw210.org to schedule a pick up time for your device & folder.
For more information email jaime.pearson@lw210.org
East Seniors!
Please check your school email for important information regarding parking stickers for the 2026–2027 school year.
Be sure to read the information carefully so you know when, where and how to pick up your parking sticker!
Mark your calendars for these important August events as we get ready for a new school year at Lincoln-Way East!
Be sure to save these dates now! More detailed information, including arrival instructions and everything you need to know, will be sent to families via email in the coming weeks.
Be sure to save these dates now! More detailed information, including arrival instructions and everything you need to know, will be sent to families via email in the coming weeks.
Great day to be a Griffin! 3 State Champions and 1 Runner up.
State Champions: Giuseppe Goebel, Ilyas Yassin, Joe Petrassi
Runner-up: Olivia Meintel
Ilyas Yassin - Strongest high school powerlifter of all time in Illinois - in any weight class! With a total weight of 1715lbs! 630 Squat, 420 Bench, 660 Deadlift.
Ilyas broke 4 State records.
Giuseppe Goebel earned the Beyond the Strength Award and the Duke Award, earning a scholarship!
Male Division took a 4th place finish. 1st-4th place were all within 1 point of each other. The IHSPLA has never seen this close of margins in the top 4.
What a great display of strength by all 130 athletes competing at IHSPLA State Tournament!
(March 29th: Ilyas became a National Champion, USA Bench record at the 100kg Division - 414.5lbs)
Great season lifters!
State Champions: Giuseppe Goebel, Ilyas Yassin, Joe Petrassi
Runner-up: Olivia Meintel
Ilyas Yassin - Strongest high school powerlifter of all time in Illinois - in any weight class! With a total weight of 1715lbs! 630 Squat, 420 Bench, 660 Deadlift.
Ilyas broke 4 State records.
Giuseppe Goebel earned the Beyond the Strength Award and the Duke Award, earning a scholarship!
Male Division took a 4th place finish. 1st-4th place were all within 1 point of each other. The IHSPLA has never seen this close of margins in the top 4.
What a great display of strength by all 130 athletes competing at IHSPLA State Tournament!
(March 29th: Ilyas became a National Champion, USA Bench record at the 100kg Division - 414.5lbs)
Great season lifters!
Announcing our 2026 Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Amy Cavanaugh from our LWE English Department!
Mrs. Cavanaugh creates a classroom where curiosity, reflection, and growth are at the center. She encourages her students to take risks in their learning, ask thoughtful questions, revise their thinking, and find confidence in their own voices. Mrs. Cavanaugh brings passion, creativity, humor, kindness, and heart into everything she does. Congratulations, Mrs. Cavanaugh! Thank you for all you do!
Mrs. Cavanaugh creates a classroom where curiosity, reflection, and growth are at the center. She encourages her students to take risks in their learning, ask thoughtful questions, revise their thinking, and find confidence in their own voices. Mrs. Cavanaugh brings passion, creativity, humor, kindness, and heart into everything she does. Congratulations, Mrs. Cavanaugh! Thank you for all you do!
Lincoln-Way East wishes all of our students, staff, families, and community a fun, safe, and relaxing summer break!
IHSPLA Powerlifting State is this weekend, and we are so proud of all the hard work, dedication, and strength our athletes have shown throughout the season. Wishing our powerlifters the best of luck at State!
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!
