Payson Seymour School history program receives Governor's Award at annual Illinois History Expo

SPRINGFIELD - The Payson Seymour Elementary School History Program headed by teacher Lacinda Speckhart Mena was recognized with the Governor's Award during the annual Illinois History Expo held May 3 in Springfield.

 

            "The Governor's Award is presented to a junior or senior high school student history program which exemplifies the best in historical scholarship, community service, and a commitment to longevity in the field," said Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) Director Robert Coomer.  The Agency sponsors Expo in cooperation with the Chicago Metro History Education Center.

 

            Since 1977, the Payson Seymour School District has actively promoted students learning local history and sharing it with the community.  Lacinda Mena said in a recent interview that "our town's history is often not well known.  Students learn from the local museums and their own projects and share it with their community - which includes not only Payson but all of Adams County.  It is exciting both for the students and the people in their audience."  There is a proposal for the school from Lacinda and her students to establish a Payson museum in honor of Dorothy Jacobson, a descendant of early area settlers, using funds contributed for local history.      

 

            More than 1,400 junior and senior high school students from across the state participated in the May 3 Expo.  The students were winners selected during regional history fairs held earlier this year.