Lincoln Way Central High School

History

In June 1952, another election provided for the approval and construction of Lincoln-Way High School. The new high school district would draw students which until then had been attending Joliet Township High School, Bloom Township High School, Carl Sandburg High School, and Peotone High School. The cornerstone was ceremonially installed on October 25, 1953, after construction had begun. Lincoln-Way opened its doors to students on September 7, 1954. The name of the school was selected by one Mrs. Florence Pittman and the board of education officially adopted it as "Lincoln-Way". The charter members of the student body voted to have red and black as their school colors. Lyrics to the Lincoln-Way Central school song were written by Robert Taylor and Betty Tryon, set to the tune of the University of Chicago pep song.

Bond issues for additions to the original building were approved in 1957, 1960, 1962, and 1969. The 1969 bond issue approved a ninth grade building which was built north of the main building. In 1971 the north building opened up, accommodating 700 students.

In 1994, a field house was added to the campus. Then in 1998, citizens of District #210 approved a $60 million building bond referendum to split the existing high school freshmen-sophomore / junior-senior configuration into two separate four year high schools while adding to the existing two schools an academic wing with 50 classrooms at each campus, olympic-sizes swimming pools, as well as the addition of a fine arts auditorium and music classrooms at Central. The changeover became official for the 2001-02 school year as the Central campus opened as Lincoln-Way Central High School.

Lincoln-Way Central is known as "The" Lincoln-Way because it is the original of the four high schools, rich in over sixty years of tradition and history. Students here are noted for their exceeding pride. Phrases such as "We are Central", "Once a Knight, Always a Knight", and "Knight Pride Never Dies" exemplify students' spirit. This spirit does not extend to alumni relations however as the district has ceased maintaining and updating and reaching out to its alumni.

Music

Lincoln-Way Central's Music Department consists of multiple extracurricular music groups, including the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Concert Bands, two jazz ensembles, (Jazz I and II), pep band, orchestra, guitar studio, piano, multiple choirs, including Madrigal Singers, and the school's marching band, the Marching Knights.

The Marching Knights is Lincoln-Way Central's award-winning marching band, under the direction of Chris Mroczek. It consisted of 101 student members as of the 2012-2013 season. The group has traveled to many places to participate in parades and competitions, such as Florida, California, Texas, Italy, among other places and venues, and has marched in the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade. The band has been in existence since 1974, maintaining long-standing traditions and a rich history.

Notable Music Department events include:

Athletics

Lincoln-Way Central competes as a member of the Southwest Suburban Conference. The school is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), which governs most athletics and competitive activities in Illinois. Teams are stylized as the "Knights".

The school sponsors interscholastic teams for young men and women in basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, gymnastics, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and water polo. Young women may compete in badminton, cheerleading, poms, and softball, while young men may also compete in baseball, football, and wrestling. While not recognized by the IHSA, the school's athletic department also oversees a lacrosse team for young men and one for women.

The following teams have finished in the top four of their respective IHSA sponsored state championship tournament or meet:

Activities and Clubs

Notable alumni