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!
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Amy Cavaugh. She was the honorary captian for LWE's Homecoming game Friday where she conducted the coin flip before the game. #goeast
Thomas Jefferson made a special visit to Lincoln-Way East as Mr. Olson’s AP U.S. History students stepped back in time for a unique “coffeehouse” discussion.
This year marks Mr. Olson’s 25th year portraying Thomas Jefferson, bringing history to life through conversations about the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the coming of the Revolutionary War, and the challenges and possibilities facing the young republic in the years that followed.
What better way to explore America’s 250th anniversary than by hearing directly from “Thomas Jefferson” himself?
Homecoming 2026
A Night in Rio is almost here! And we’re bringing the FOOD TRUCKS!
Friday night, September 25th, the Griffins take the field for another exciting Homecoming football game!
Varsity Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Fireworks during Halftime!
Don’t forget to purchase your tickets on GoFan! https://gofan.co/app/school/IL15560
GO GRIFFINS!
Varsity Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Fireworks during Halftime!
Don’t forget to purchase your tickets on GoFan! https://gofan.co/app/school/IL15560
GO GRIFFINS!
Senior Sunrise 2026
HOMECOMING DANCE TICKET SALES
Tickets are sold online only. Please make sure you enter the correct student ID number(s) when purchasing.
SINGLE TICKET
Use your LWE student ID number to purchase a single ticket.
LWE STUDENT + LWE GUEST
You will need both LWE student ID numbers to purchase the tickets.
LWE STUDENT + OUTSIDE GUEST
Planning to bring a guest from another school? Follow these steps:
1-Pick up an Outside Guest Form from SSO.
2-Have your guest’s school administrator approve the form.
3-Return the completed form to SSO for Mr. Victor’s approval by September 22.
4-Pick up the approved form from SSO. It will include the Outside Guest Ticket Code.
5-Purchase the LWE student ticket + Outside Guest ticket using the code by September 25.
6-The LWE student ticket and Outside Guest ticket MUST be purchased together.
AFTER PURCHASING YOUR TICKET
You will receive an email with a QR code after purchasing your ticket(s).
Be sure to have your QR code accessible on your phone when entering the dance.
All students must have their LWE student ID to enter.
All guests must be 14–20 years old. No junior high students.
No student entry after 8:00 PM.
Once a student leaves the dance, they may not re-enter.
Happy Homecoming Week!
HOMECOMING WEEK: A NIGHT IN RIO!
MATCHING SET MONDAY
Monday, September 21st
Go head-to-toe with your look!
✨ Dress in ONE COLOR from head to toe
✨ OR wear the SAME BRAND from head to toe
Let’s kick off Homecoming Week and bring the Rio vibes to East!
MATCHING SET MONDAY
Monday, September 21st
Go head-to-toe with your look!
✨ Dress in ONE COLOR from head to toe
✨ OR wear the SAME BRAND from head to toe
Let’s kick off Homecoming Week and bring the Rio vibes to East!
The Fall Anatomy & Physiology Medical class just started their rotations at Olympia Fields
Our Wednesday Spanish tutoring program was busy today with lots of Spanish Honors Society tutors helping Spanish 1 and 2 students prepare for upcoming tests! Stop by and see us next week for some extra help!
Griffins, it’s time to get your team together and compete for the Homecoming Olympics!
Event Date: Monday, September 21st
Check-In Times:
• Freshmen/Sophomores: 5:30 PM
• Juniors/Seniors: 6:45 PM
Fieldhouse Check-In
HOW IT WORKS: Teams will compete in a variety of challenges, with points awarded for:
-- Spirit Days
--Points at Games
-- Scavenger Hunt
--Relay Challenges
--Dodgeball
--Tug of War
Teams: 8 members + 1 alternate
--Each team must have one staff sponsor from their grade level.
DON’T FORGET: Each participant should bring ONE canned good per person for the Frankfort Food Pantry! Team names must be school-appropriate and approved.
One winning team from each grade level will advance to face off against our staff at the Pep Assembly!
Registration : Due Wednesday, September 16th
Scan the QR code on the flyer to register your team!
Who’s taking home the Homecoming Olympics title?
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention month, the Interact Club made bookmarks with positive and encouraging notes to be handed out to friends.
Featuring students from all three Lincoln-Way schools, INTO THE WOODS comes to Lincoln-Way East High School next weekend!
*Friday, September 18 at 7pm
*Saturday, September 19 at 7pm
*Sunday, September 20 at 2pm
Tickets are available at lwemusic.org or through the link in the bio of @lwe_mt. Come out and support the arts in our community! We’ll see you in the woods.
*Friday, September 18 at 7pm
*Saturday, September 19 at 7pm
*Sunday, September 20 at 2pm
Tickets are available at lwemusic.org or through the link in the bio of @lwe_mt. Come out and support the arts in our community! We’ll see you in the woods.
Students collaborated in Señor Shannon’s Spanish classes used commands to create cup towers to use as much Spanish as possible the first day of class.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Our Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members are putting leadership into action! From developing business and career skills to giving back to our school and community, FBLA students are making a difference.
This year, FBLA is excited to support our community through a
FBLA Fundraiser – Do-Rite Donuts
-- Friday, August 28
-- During all lunch hours
Students only can stop by and support FBLA while enjoying some delicious Do-Rite Donuts during their lunch.
FBLA Blood Drive
--Wednesday, September 9
--2:00–7:00 p.m.
--Frankfort Teen & Vendor Room
140 Oak Street, Frankfort
These opportunities allow our students to practice leadership, teamwork, and service while making a positive impact in our community.
Our Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members are putting leadership into action! From developing business and career skills to giving back to our school and community, FBLA students are making a difference.
This year, FBLA is excited to support our community through a
FBLA Fundraiser – Do-Rite Donuts
-- Friday, August 28
-- During all lunch hours
Students only can stop by and support FBLA while enjoying some delicious Do-Rite Donuts during their lunch.
FBLA Blood Drive
--Wednesday, September 9
--2:00–7:00 p.m.
--Frankfort Teen & Vendor Room
140 Oak Street, Frankfort
These opportunities allow our students to practice leadership, teamwork, and service while making a positive impact in our community.
Thank you to all of our East parents and guardians who joined us for Back-to-School Night! Also a big thanks to students who helped guide families through the building.
LWE SENIOR YEARBOOK PHOTOS:
Seniors who did not take their yearbook photo with Burns Photography over the summer must have their photo taken this Thursday, August 27th, during their P.E. or AFJROTC class.
Burns Photography will send a direct link to the parent/guardian email address so families can review and approve the photo. November 1 is the final deadline to approve the senior photo for inclusion in the yearbook.
LWE UNDERCLASSMEN PHOTOS:
All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will have their school photos taken during their P.E., Health, Driver’s Education, or AFJROTC classes Thursday, August 27th.
Parents/guardians will receive an email shortly after photo day with a direct link to view their student’s photo proof. These links will remain active throughout the entire 2026–2027 school year.
Seniors who did not take their yearbook photo with Burns Photography over the summer must have their photo taken this Thursday, August 27th, during their P.E. or AFJROTC class.
Burns Photography will send a direct link to the parent/guardian email address so families can review and approve the photo. November 1 is the final deadline to approve the senior photo for inclusion in the yearbook.
LWE UNDERCLASSMEN PHOTOS:
All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will have their school photos taken during their P.E., Health, Driver’s Education, or AFJROTC classes Thursday, August 27th.
Parents/guardians will receive an email shortly after photo day with a direct link to view their student’s photo proof. These links will remain active throughout the entire 2026–2027 school year.
ACTIVITY BUS RUNS:
Lincoln-Way East provides busing for extra-curricular activities that are held after school. Students can take the activity bus run after they finish club/activity responsibilities. Buses leave promptly at 3:45 p.m. from Door 5 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
Buses are available today after school.
Lincoln-Way East provides busing for extra-curricular activities that are held after school. Students can take the activity bus run after they finish club/activity responsibilities. Buses leave promptly at 3:45 p.m. from Door 5 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
Buses are available today after school.
East Families!
We would like to invite you to Back to School Night on Wednesday, August 26th, from 5:30–7:45 p.m.
A brief welcome and overview of the evening will begin in the auditorium. The goal of the evening is for parents/guardians to follow the same abbreviated schedule their student follows throughout the school day.
Please arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking.
Prior to the event, please print your student’s schedule from your Skyward account and bring it with you.
If your student is assigned to an Advisory or Lunch period, please use that time to visit our Athletic Boosters, who will be located in the cafeteria.
Important Class Information:
P.E. and Driver’s Education: Please meet in the auditorium.
Health: Please report to your student’s assigned classroom.
We look forward to welcoming our families and giving you an opportunity to experience a day in the life of your Lincoln-Way East student!
We would like to invite you to Back to School Night on Wednesday, August 26th, from 5:30–7:45 p.m.
A brief welcome and overview of the evening will begin in the auditorium. The goal of the evening is for parents/guardians to follow the same abbreviated schedule their student follows throughout the school day.
Please arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking.
Prior to the event, please print your student’s schedule from your Skyward account and bring it with you.
If your student is assigned to an Advisory or Lunch period, please use that time to visit our Athletic Boosters, who will be located in the cafeteria.
Important Class Information:
P.E. and Driver’s Education: Please meet in the auditorium.
Health: Please report to your student’s assigned classroom.
We look forward to welcoming our families and giving you an opportunity to experience a day in the life of your Lincoln-Way East student!
