Lincoln Elementary School in River Forest picked up two statewide honors in a single day: a 2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon School designation and a No. 15 ranking among Illinois public elementary schools from U.S. News & World Report, both announced Oct. 20.
The Blue Ribbon award recognized Lincoln in the "High Performing" category. It was one of 24 Illinois schools honored.
Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced the recipients at a ceremony at John Mills Elementary School in Elmwood Park, Patch reported. Pritzker congratulated the 24 schools, crediting students, educators, families and communities for the results.
The Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools Program, now in its second year, follows the model of the former federal Blue Ribbon Schools program. Illinois established its own version in 2025 after the Trump administration canceled the U.S. Department of Education's national program, according to the governor's office.
Of the 24 honorees, 16 are public schools and eight are nonpublic. Sixteen received high-performing recognition, while eight were honored for progress in closing achievement gaps.
State Senate President Don Harmon, who represents the area, congratulated Lincoln Elementary and John Mills Elementary on X, calling them "two well-deserved honors."
District 90 Superintendent Janice Pavelonis, who took over the role earlier this year, told the Wednesday Journal in August that sustaining the district's strong performance was a top priority. She pointed to family partnerships and well-trained staff as key factors.
Katie Avalos, District 90 board of education president, praised Pavelonis' "collaborative style and deep experience" in the same interview.
The double recognition caps a strong stretch for the school. All 24 Blue Ribbon honorees will be invited to a recognition event at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield this spring.
