DECATUR, Ill. – 91ӣƵ’s Olivia Swords has added another honor to her impressive resume.
The senior triple major in History, Philosophy (with a Pre-Law focus), and English (with a Professional Writing concentration) was named Millikin’s recipient of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ Student Laureate Award for 2024. Olivia, originally from Decatur and a Mount Zion High School graduate, received a monetary prize, a Lincoln medallion, and a certificate of merit signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Each fall, an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is awarded the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and becomes a Student Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. In the spirit of Lincoln, Student Laureates are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.
Lincoln's legacy has long been an important influence on Swords as she grew up in the Land of Lincoln.
“I've visited the Presidential Museum and Library and the Memorial. Lincoln has always been a figure who has resonated with me. I remember the first time I went to his Memorial. I was young and didn't really understand the situation, but I cried. I was so impacted by it, even at a young age, I understood who he was and the role he played,” she said. “He's always been an inspirational figure to me, especially as I decided to go into law. Learning about his journey of finding failures and successes and still accomplishing everything he did was impressive and very impactful to me.”
The award ceremony brought together the respective Lincoln Laureates from across the state, and Swords enjoyed meeting some of the top college students and leaders in Illinois.
“The ceremony started with a luncheon beforehand at the University of Illinois Springfield, and this was an opportunity for all of us Student Laureates to meet each other and those involved with the Lincoln Academy. It was great to hear about their experiences. Many of them were also recipients of the Adult Lincoln Laureate Award, which is given to top leaders within the state,” Olivia said. “It was interesting to hear about their journeys and next steps in life. I think it is beneficial for all of us to be connected and follow along with each other's careers, lives, and journeys.”
Swords plans to attend law school following graduation, and the Scovill Prize winner plans to take inspiration from a Lincoln quote in her future endeavors.
“Mr. Lincoln once said, 'The best way to predict the future is to create it.' As a recipient of the Lincoln Student Laureate Award, this quote perfectly defines my guiding hope as I stand on the precipice of tomorrow: the hope to eagerly follow the vast trail of Lincoln’s size-14 shoe prints as I remain steadfast in my dedication to living in the spirit of Lincoln while paving a brave new path across the great state of Illinois and beyond,” Olivia said.
