What if I told you that Lincoln-Way East High School, with its iconic blue and black colors, once housed not only students but also a vibrant community of griffins? You might think I’m pulling your leg, but bear with me.
Standing right here, in front of this sprawling suburban campus, you’d see no trace of them now. Lincoln-Way East High School, part of the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, has been home to generations of students since its opening in 1977. Lincoln-Way East became a four-year high school in 2001 after it was initially designed to be a freshman-sophomore building.
The history of Lincoln-Way East is quite extraordinary! You see, before it was known as a high school, this land was part of the original Lincoln Highway, once a bustling route across the United States. Back in the 1920s, the highway was nicknamed “The Grand Boulevard,” a symbol of progress and freedom. But in 1974, the voters saw the potential of this land and approved a $4,985,000 bond issue to develop a new school. This was the very beginning of Lincoln-Way East High School.
And that’s not the only remarkable thing. Lincoln-Way East, with its massive enrollment of over 2,700 students, has a rich athletic history. The school’s mascot, the “Griffin,” has become a symbol of strength, power, and resilience. Over the years, Lincoln-Way East’s athletic teams have achieved many victories, winning state championships in football, cheerleading, track, and volleyball. But it’s not all about the victories. It’s about the sense of community that the school fosters through its sports programs.
So, as you stand here at Lincoln-Way East High School, imagine the echoes of this history. Feel the energy of the students, and the spirit of the griffins, both past and present. Lincoln-Way East has come a long way from being a mere stop on a cross-country route. It has transformed into a beacon of education, athletics, and community. And who knows what stories this remarkable place will hold in the years to come.