Knox College senior Carolyn Stephen has been selected a Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

A senior environmental studies major from St. Louis, Missouri, Stephen has lettered in swimming and studied in Costa Rica. Last fall she was selected a co-winner of the 2013 Faculty Scholarship Prize, the highest student honor accorded by the Knox College faculty.

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois recognizes current and former Illinois residents for distinguished accomplishments in a wide variety of fields with the state's highest award, the Order of Lincoln and selection as a Laureate of the Lincoln Academy. Retired Knox College faculty members Douglas Wilson and Rodney Davis, noted Lincoln scholars and co-director of the Lincoln Studies Center at Knox College, were named Laureates of the Lincoln Academy in 2009.

Student Laureates of the Lincoln Academy are outstanding seniors selected annually by each four-year, degree-granting college and university in Illinois. Student Laureates receive the Lincoln Medal, a Certificate of Merit, and a monetary award in recognition of overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.