Reading is more than an academic exercise here—it’s a gateway to understanding the world and fostering connections across generations. Through the collaborative efforts of student Sadie White, English teacher Paige Timmerman, and librarian Hope Kasten, the school’s involvement in the Illinois Lincoln Award program is setting a high bar for literary engagement and empathy.

The Illinois Lincoln Award is a prestigious statewide initiative where high school students and educators select and celebrate the best young adult literature published within the past five years. Each year, a panel narrows an extensive list of books down to 20 nominees. The winning title, chosen by student votes in March, receives the Lincoln Award. Salem’s involvement reached new heights this year, with Sadie and Paige serving on the student and teacher panels, respectively—a first for the school.

“Being part of the panel is an incredible experience,” says Sadie, a senior with a voracious appetite for reading. “We’re reading 10 books each from a list of 75, evaluating their themes, characters, and relevance. It’s about more than liking a story—it’s about understanding how these books resonate with today’s readers.”

Sadie’s passion for reading shines through her involvement. Averaging over 100 books a year, she devours everything from mysteries to novels in verse, balancing a love for complex narratives with an openness to explore any genre. “I think that’s one of the criteria they look for in panelists,” she says. “They want readers who aren’t tied to just one genre—someone willing to dive into anything.”

Hope Kasten, the school’s media specialist, emphasizes the importance of programs like the Lincoln Award in building empathy and expanding students’ horizons. “Books offer a safe way to explore experiences and perspectives you might never encounter otherwise,” she explains. “It’s a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes, whether it’s through science fiction, poetry, or contemporary narratives.”

The program also reflects Paige Timmerman’s philosophy as an educator. “Reading helps students connect with the human element of issues they may only have encountered in abstract terms,” she says. “It’s one thing to read an article about a social issue. It’s another to experience it through a character’s journey. That’s what makes programs like the Lincoln Award so impactful—they bring abstract issues to life.”

As both a teacher and panelist, Paige brings invaluable insights to her classroom. She collaborates frequently with Hope to enrich lessons, from teaching research skills to curating genre-specific reading lists. Their teamwork is a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading. “All of us are smarter together than any one of us alone,” Paige says. “That’s what makes this partnership so rewarding.”

While Sadie will graduate before the 2026 Lincoln Award nominees are announced, she sees her role as shaping the next generation of readers. “It’s exciting to think that the books we choose will inspire other students,” she says. “I love the idea of leaving behind something meaningful.”

The program’s broader implications go beyond literary appreciation. By encouraging students to vote for their favorite book after reading at least four from the final list, the Lincoln Award promotes active participation and critical thinking. “It’s about empowering students to engage with literature and express their opinions,” Paige explains. “That’s a skill they’ll carry with them into every part of their lives.”

The panel’s work culminates in March, when students across Illinois cast their votes. For Sadie, Hope, and Paige, the journey is as rewarding as the outcome. “This program is about more than choosing a favorite book,” Hope says. “It’s about creating lifelong readers, fostering empathy, and showing students the transformative power of stories.”

As Sadie prepares for her next chapter—college and a career in dental hygiene—she carries with her a love of literature that transcends the classroom. “Books have shaped who I am,” she says. “They’ve taught me to think critically, feel deeply, and see the world in new ways. I hope to pass that on to others, just like Salem Community High School has passed it on to me.”

For students here and across the State, the Lincoln Award isn’t just an event—it’s a legacy, weaving the love of literature into the fabric of its community.