Hello everyone! My name is Cherokee Pendergrass, I am one of the thousand students and staff that are deeply saddened by the news of Lincoln College closing their doors for good May 12th. This is due to the strain that the pandemic had over our small college. However with the help of everyone reading this we don’t have to let that happen! We only ask that you take the time to read our stories and the impact Lincoln College has made on everyone of our lives. You can read those stories of students and staff by joining our Facebook page “Save Lincoln College” or just by googling “Lincoln College in Lincoln IL” we have made several news stations and talked publicly about our feelings about this painful news. PLEASE consider signing this petition in hopes this will help people see how much we all care about this college and in more hopes that we can keep their doors open! My person story is as followed: I started at Lincoln College in August 2019. I went to high school in a small town with my graduating class being 43 people total. In high school I never really fit in with a particular group. I was a swimmer; the only swimmer at my high school. I co-oped with another swim team in the town over. So now not only did I not feel welcomed or that I belonged at one high school but now I felt out of place at two high schools. When I got the call from Lincoln my senior year I was hesitant at first; I was afraid this would be yet another school that I would feel alone and afraid. Despite my fears I decided to give Lincoln College a try. Come to find out  that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only was I wrong about not fitting in but Lincoln College gave me the opportunity to grow and come out of my shell in a safe environment. Not having to fear what others would think of me because all I ever got from Lincoln was love and support. I have met lifelong best friends at Lincoln College, along with a life long support system through the coaches and staff. The news that they would be closing for good really broke my heart along with hundreds of other students and staff. That’s why I can say without a doubt that me and many others will not let Lincoln College go without a fight! 
#savelincolncollege #Lynx4Life #savelynx #bleedpurple