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School is back in session for L-W Central and West  Share
School is back in session at Lincoln-Way Central High School, and for the first time, at West campus, as well. Classes started on August 18, with a full day of school at all four District 210 buildings, including the North and East campuses in Frankfort Square and Frankfort. The district counts more than 7,000 students this fall. At West, recently opened at Gougar Road and Illinois Highway, Principal Monica Schmitt greeted the first-ever students at the door with T-shirts bearing the legend, ''Today a Warrior is born.'' Kids were directed to the auditorium, where staff and faculty had gathered.
''Today, a Warrior is born,'' Schmitt told the group of 1,000 students. Very few people have the opportunity to become an important part of the opening of a brand new, beautiful high school. ''Each and every one of you is important to us here at Lincoln-Way West. The vision and core principles bring this building alive and make it a school that we will love and grow to be extremely proud of.'' The core principles of the school, she continued, are wisdom, respect, honor and courage. ''The vision is simple,'' she added. ''By our deeds, we are known. That means that our actions speak louder than our words.'' Also during the assembly, students Jessica McDonald, Robert Hubbard, Jake Benson and Becky Bradshaw explained what it means to be a West Warrior. With the cheerleaders and pom squad, plus the new Warrior mascot, leading the way, the students learned their fight song. ''I'm really excited,'' smiled sophomore Abby Hedlin. ''I'm really happy with how the Warrior (mascot) turned out.'' After the assembly, the students and staff stood in front of the school for a commemorative photo. Meanwhile, at Central High School Ð the oldest of the district's buildings Ð students were greeted by new Principal Steve Provis and an enormous sign, ''Welcome Back Students.'' Provis, who stepped into the top administrative post at Central when Monica Schmitt moved to West, said, ''The kids are very excited to be back. The energy in the building is fabulous.'' The students reported to their homerooms and were led by the Marching Knights drumline through the halls to the field house, where they had a chance to meet Provis. ''I wanted to address the entire student body together,'' he explained, ''and this was the only part of the building that could handle all 2,346 of them. ''It's important to get all the students together on the first day, to explain the school's expectations, so everyone is on the same page. ''We talked about student expectations. I introduced Lincoln-Way Central student Jacob Behm, telling our students he received a perfect 36 on the ACT last year. He is one of only 47 Illinois students, who took the ACT this past spring as part of the statewide testing program, to achieve a 36 - the highest possible composite score. ''He represented all Lincoln-Way Central. The students were excited to hear the great news and cheered wildly for him.'' The get-acquainted assembly also included the introduction of Senior Class President Russ Gossen and Student Council President Ashley Mysliwiec. Senior Jayme Doyle sang the National Anthem and the Air Force JROTC presented the Colors. Also recognized at the event were the 2009 State Runner-Up Badminton team. The assembly ended with the Lincoln-Way Central Fight Song, led by the Marching Knights band, cheerleaders and the Rhythm Knights. Russell Publications prints several community newspapers each week, serving Will, Kankakee and Cook counties.
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