How about we journey back to a time when Lincoln-Way North High School thrived? Imagine students bustling through its halls. This place, once a beacon of learning in Frankfort Square Illinois, has a story etched in its very foundations.
Lincoln-Way North High School or LWN as it was fondly known, opened its doors in 2008. It quickly became an integral part of Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210. The district included Lincoln-Way East, Central and West High Schools. LWN served students from Frankfort, Mokena and Tinley Park.
Did you know that Lincoln-Way North was born from a $225 million building bond referendum? Voters approved it to build two new high schools. The goal was also to update the two existing schools. Lincoln-Way West High School was designed similarly to North.
The school boasted state-of-the-art facilities. These included a performing arts center, athletic fields and spacious classrooms. The Lincoln-Way North Auditorium became home to the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. The auditorium was built with the orchestra in mind and is fully soundproof.
Lincoln-Way North’s athletic teams earned the mascot the Phoenix. The school colors were Vegas gold and black. The Lincoln-Way North Marching Phoenix won several state championships. The Marching Phoenix won the 4A Marching Band State Championship in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Academically, Lincoln-Way North consistently ranked among America’s Best High Schools. It had a 99 percent graduation rate. Eighty percent of its graduates pursued post-secondary education.
However, the story of Lincoln-Way North took an unexpected turn. In 2015, the school board voted to close it due to budget concerns. The doors of Lincoln-Way North High School closed in June 2016. The students within North’s boundaries attended Lincoln-Way East.
Interestingly, Lincoln-Way North temporarily reopened in November 2023. This was after a ceiling collapse at Lockport Township High School Central Campus. It housed the displaced freshmen students.
Though its time was relatively short, Lincoln-Way North High School left an indelible mark. It impacted the lives of countless students and the community. It stands as a testament to the power of education and community spirit. The spirit of the Phoenix may have faded but it is not forgotten.