Lincoln Academy of Illinois honors Trinity's Emylee Thompson

Deerfield, Ill. - Emylee Thompson, a senior biology and bioethics major from South Elgin, has received an Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

Thompson accepted her honor, commonly known as the Lincoln Laureate award, during a ceremony Nov. 12 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield. She brought home a certificate of merit, a medal depicting the likeness of Lincoln, and a $1,000 check.

For the past 42 years, the awards have been presented "for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities," according to a news release from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. One senior from each of the state's four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities receives the annual award, as well as one student from the community colleges in Illinois.

"President Lincoln's legacy is a reminder of the power of public service and civic engagement here in Illinois and across the country," Governor Bruce Rauner said at the ceremony. "The students chosen to receive this honor have exemplified the principles and ideals of the greatest Illinoisan through their hard work and dedication to their schools and communities."

Thompson is a dual degree candidate in Spring 2017, with a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Trinity College and a Master of Arts degree in bioethics from Trinity Graduate School. She plans to apply to medical schools and pursue a career as a medical doctor.

"To be recognized for the hard work I put in on a daily basis is an incredible honor," Thompson said. She added that both her parents and Trinity College Professor of Biology Joyce Shelton accompanied her to Springfield for the ceremony.

Thompson also has received the Peter Lu Memorial Science Award and the Student Leaders of the Year Award during her time at Trinity.