How about a trip back to 1954? That’s when Lincoln-Way Central High School first opened its doors. It stands as the original school of the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210.
Lincoln-Way Central is located in New Lenox Illinois. It is about 3.5 miles south of Interstate 80. The school sits near the intersection of Schoolhouse Road and Lincoln Highway.
Originally, the high school district combined several other schools. These included Joliet Township High School and Bloom Township High School. Carl Sandburg High School and Peotone High School were also included.
Mrs. Florence Pittman chose the name Lincoln-Way. The board of education officially adopted it. The charter student members selected red and black as the school colors. Robert Taylor and Betty Tryon wrote the lyrics to the school song. They set it to the tune of the University of Chicago pep song.
Additions to the original building were approved several times. These occurred in 1957 1960 1962 and 1969. A ninth-grade building opened north of the main building in 1971. It accommodated 700 students.
A field house was added to the Lincoln-Way Central campus in 1994. In 1998, citizens approved a bond to split the existing school configuration. This created two separate four-year high schools. An academic wing was added to each school. Each wing had 50 classrooms. Olympic-sized swimming pools were added. A fine arts auditorium and music classrooms were added at Central. The change became official in 2001.
Lincoln-Way Central High School is known as just Lincoln-Way by area residents. It has over sixty-five years of tradition and history. Students take exceeding pride in their school. Phrases like “We are Central” exemplify school spirit. “Once a Knight Always a Knight” and “Knight Pride” are also common.
Lincoln-Way Central’s Music Department includes many extracurricular groups. There are wind ensembles and concert bands. Jazz ensembles and a pep band exist as well. Students can participate in the orchestra guitar studio or piano. Multiple choirs are available including Madrigal Singers. The school also has a marching band called the Marching Knights.
The Marching Knights once consisted of 101 student members. The band marched in the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade. The band has existed since 1954. In 2017, the Marching Knights combined with other Lincoln-Way area high schools. Together they formed the Lincoln-Way Marching Band.
Lincoln-Way Central competes in the Southwest Suburban Conference. The school is a member of the Illinois High School Association. Teams are called the Knights.
The school sponsors teams for young men and women. These include basketball bowling and cross country. Golf gymnastics and soccer are also offered. Students can participate in swimming tennis or track. Volleyball esports and water polo are further options. Young women may compete in badminton cheerleading and softball. Young men may also compete in baseball football and wrestling. The athletic department oversees lacrosse teams for young men and women as well.
Many teams have excelled in IHSA state championships. These include badminton bowling and cross country. Football golf and gymnastics have also achieved high rankings. Soccer softball track and field and volleyball have excelled too. Wrestling and water polo have also seen success.
Lincoln-Way Central offers a wide range of activities and clubs. These include AFJROTC Drill Team Art Club and Book Club. Chess Club Class Officers and Color Guard are available. Students can join the Computer Technology Club or Creative Writing Club. The Environmental Action Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes are further options. There is Future Business Leaders of America and Future Educators of America. The school also has Future Farmers of America and a Gay-Straight Alliance.
Several notable alumni have walked these halls. James Augustine played in the NBA. Christopher Bear is the drummer for the band Grizzly Bear. Tony Cingrani is an MLB pitcher. Ned Grabavoy played Major League Soccer. Kevin Lynch is a vice president of technology at Apple Inc. Rob Ninkovich played in the NFL for the New England Patriots. Johan Reinhard is an author and explorer with the National Geographic Society. Mark Suppelsa is a television anchorman at WGN-TV.
And so, Lincoln-Way Central High School stands as a beacon of education and community. Its rich history and commitment to excellence continue to shape the lives of its students. The school motto says it all “Once a Knight Always a Knight”.