Senior Christian Flores named student laureate
Illinois College senior Christian Flores '18, of Addison, Illinois, was honored by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois at their 43rd Annual Student Laureate Convocation in November at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield.
The student laureate award recognizes excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities by seniors from each of the state鈥檚 four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from the community colleges in Illinois.
I am incredibly grateful to have been selected for this award. Illinois College has put more opportunities in my path than I ever imagined possible. Sitting among so many of my talented peers, I felt extremely proud of my hard work and leadership.
Flores plans to graduate this year with a degree in history, political science and Spanish. He is a member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, where he has served as service vice president, and he has served on student senate as student body vice president. He has been honored with various awards for displaying academic excellence and dedication to the community.
During his time at Illinois College, Flores has held various internships that include positions with the Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth in Washington D.C., the Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives at Illinois College and Rammelkamp Bradney P.C. in Springfield. Flores also spent a semester studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was a research intern at the Institute for Justice and Human Rights.
鈥淚 am especially thankful for my Illinois College professors and mentors who have guided me and pushed me to take advantage of every experience,鈥� said Flores.
Governor Bruce Rauner, the president of the Lincoln Academy, and First Lady Diana Rauner presented each student with a certificate of merit, a Lincoln medallion and a $1,000 check from The Lincoln Academy.
President Lincoln's legacy is a reminder of the power of public service and civic engagement here in Illinois and across the country. The 缅北禁地 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.