A video created by a Lake Forest High School student to honor the upcoming Illinois bicentennial was one of five selected to be featured in a daily countdown ahead of the celebration, according to a press release from Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office.
Will Elliott’s winning entry in the Something to Learn About Illinois History contest details the success of Marshall Field clerk John G. Shedd, who worked his way up to become president of the department store. His name graces Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, boasting 2 million annual visitors.
“The bicentennial is all about showcasing the best of what has been born, built and grown in Illinois,” Rauner said in the release. “The work of the young people who produced these videos is a tremendous display of talent and resourcefulness – Illinois style.”
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner
Elliott’s video was chosen to be specially featured Nov. 29 by a five-judge panel who culled it out of the 100 winning entries. The contest – whose only rules were the video must be homemade and focus on Illinois history – was open to high-school and college-age students.
The state will celebrate its bicentennial throughout 2018, culminating in an official birthday party on Dec. 3 of next year. For more information, visit http://Illinois200.com.
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