Well-Rounded Baker wins Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award

Published: April 13, 2021

On November 3, 2012, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois honored outstanding senior college students from each of the four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities in the state. The Lincoln Academy's Student Laureate Awards are presented for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities, to students who have a personal commitment to excel in their academic accomplishments.

At the Student Laureate Convocation, each student received a Student Laureate Medallion, along with an honorarium check and certificate of achievement. The convocation was held at the Old State Capitol Site in Springfield, followed by a luncheon at the Illinois Executive Mansion.

Ross Baker, a senior at Greenville College, was selected to attend the special event and receive the prestigious award. Baker noted, "The ceremony was very impressive! I couldn't believe that I had been given the same award as the other outstanding students surrounding me. God has blessed me with talents, and I owe Him the credit for the award."

Ross' academic advisor, Dr. George Peters, and his track and cross-country coach, Brian Patton, were among the faculty that recommended Ross for the award. Peters mentioned that Ross is "personable, as well as smart, responsible and athletic. He is always engaged in class and is interested in ideas and learning. He is truly an exceptional candidate." Patton included that Ross "is someone who gives of himself without asking anything in return."

When asked about his time at the Illinois Executive Mansion, Ross was willing to share a few details. "The mansion was absolutely amazing! Dr. Brian Hartley, Dr. George Peters, my parents and myself ate lunch together in the Executive Mansion, along with the rest of the Laureates and their families. The Governor has a very nice place to stay when he is in Springfield!"

Ross is studying mathematics education at Greenville College, where he also runs track and cross-country and works as a resident chaplain for the office of student development. It's been an exciting four years for Ross, and he notes "I would never change my experiences I have had at Greenville, and I look forward to the rest of my senior year."

Greenville College is a four-year accredited Christian liberal arts school with more than 1,400 traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree completion students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the college is located in Greenville, IL, 45 miles east of St. Louis.