Elizabeth Kelly honored with Student Laureate Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois

University of Illinois Springfield senior Elizabeth Kelly was honored with the Student Laureate Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois during a ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.

Kelly, a Carlinville, Ill. native, is majoring in Political Science and Legal Studies at UIS. She holds a 4.0 GPA at UIS and plans to attend law school following graduation in May.

“As a student, I have always been motivated to be the very best I could be, competing with my fellow classmates to achieve the best grades; however, I understand that education and school is all about learning and becoming a more well-rounded individual,” said Kelly.

At UIS, Kelly is a member of the women’s basketball team, the Phi Kappa Phi honor society, and the Pre-Law Society. Basketball has served as a gateway for Kelly to volunteer and work with groups throughout the Springfield community.

“My volunteer experiences have reassured me that a field in public service is right for me,” said Kelly. “There are so many unique and wonderful people in every community, and through my volunteer services I have been fortunate enough to run into great individuals who have helped me grow as a person.”

Kelly was honored by the Division 2 Athletics Directors Association (D2ADA) with an Academic Achievement Award during the 2011-12 basketball season. She was also selected to the academic All-Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) team, made the UIS Chancellor’s Academic Honor Roll and Dean’s List. On the court, Kelly started 20 games last season and saw action in 26 contests. She was fourth in the GLVC in rebounding in 2011-12.

“As a member of the team, I have expanded my work ethic and dedication to the game, and my leadership skills grow every day. The life-experiences and opportunities that I get from playing basketball are unattainable in many other college life organizations,” said Kelly.

Each year an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is awarded the Student Lincoln Academy Medallion and thereby becomes a Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Student Laureates are honored for their overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.