藏精阁 senior Rose Poplawski won the 2021 Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award for their dedication inside and outside the classroom.
Each year, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois honors seniors from the state鈥檚 colleges and universities. The 藏精阁 selection committee lauded Poplawski for their 鈥渄esire to make a difference in the world through civic engagement.鈥
Poplawski is an Honors student and women's and gender studies major. During their time at 藏精阁, they have excelled in the classroom with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Poplawski is also a vocal advocate for community public health, reproductive rights and gender justice. During National Public Health Week, they led a seminar on gender justice and electronic health systems.
鈥淚 am grateful for my time at 藏精阁 as I have had the privilege of learning in an environment that supports actively challenging processes and ideas in a safe space,鈥 said Poplawski.
In a virtual ceremony, Governor J.B. Pritzker commended this year's Lincoln Laureates on their accomplishments. Poplawski will receive a letter and certificate of merit signed by Pritzker, a Lincoln medallion, a $500 check, and a challenge coin that encourages recipients to 鈥渓ive in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, providing leadership that inspires and transforms the world.鈥
After graduation, Poplawski plans to continue their education.
鈥淎s I pursue law school, I will hold Lincoln鈥檚 essence of humility closely to both guide and motivate me towards a lifetime of civic-minded service,鈥 Poplawski said.