The student laureate award recognizes excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities by seniors from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from the community colleges in Illinois.

“I am incredibly grateful to have been selected for this award. Illinois College has put more opportunities in my path than I ever imagined possible,” said Flores. “Sitting among so many of my talented peers, I felt extremely proud of my hard work and leadership.”

Flores plans to graduate this year with a degree in history, political science and Spanish. He is a member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, where he was service vice president, and he has served on student senate as student body vice president. He has been honored with various awards for displaying academic excellence and dedication to the community.

In January, Flores was chosen by the American Historical Association from a pool of a hundred undergraduates to present his senior research thesis at their annual conference in Washington, D.C.

During his time at Illinois College, Flores has held various internships that include positions with the office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth in Washington, D.C., the Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives at Illinois College and Rammelkamp Bradney P.C. in Springfield. Flores also spent a semester studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was a research intern at the Institute for Justice and Human Rights.

“I am especially thankful for my Illinois College professors and mentors who have guided me and pushed me to take advantage of every experience,” said Flores. Governor Bruce Rauner, the president of the Lincoln Academy, and First Lady Diana Rauner presented each student with a certificate of merit, a Lincoln medallion and a $1,000 check from The Lincoln Academy.