University of Illinois Springfield senior Ameilia Hopkins of Pleasant Plains has been named the UIS recipient of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ prestigious 2026 Student Laureate Award. Each year, one student from each four-year university in Illinois is selected for the honor.
Hopkins, a diplomacy and international relations major with minors in history, political science and legal studies, plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in international diplomacy, with the long-term goal of working as a peace negotiator with the United Nations.
“I am beyond grateful for this award and all of the people who have supported me to achieve this accomplishment,” Hopkins said. “I promise to uphold its values as it helps to guide me through the next chapter of my life and beyond.”
As a Rotary Youth Ambassador, Hopkins spent a year living in Germany, where she met with local leaders and worked with Syrian and Ukrainian refugees, teaching basic English and German to help them attend school and find employment.
Hopkins works as a government relations fellow in the University of Illinois System’s Office of External Relations and Communications. She helps coordinate meetings with state lawmakers, monitors legislation affecting higher education and participates in student advocacy visits to Washington, D.C. She also works as an assistant to the general manager at NPR Illinois, contributing to community outreach and content creation.
Hopkins serves as president of the International Festival Committee, treasurer for the Asian Student Organization, Media Analysis Club and Model United Nations and media coordinator for Women in STEM Excel.
Her academic and leadership achievements include making the UIS Dean’s List and recognition as a National World Affairs Council Scholar. She has also received Model United Nations Outstanding Delegation and Honorable Mention awards, the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and Girl Scouts Gold Award. She is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, and has received a National Society of Leadership and Success Award.
As a National World Affairs Council Scholar, Hopkins traveled to Washington, D.C., where she met with diplomats from the European Union and around the world. Through Model United Nations, she has also visited the United Nations.
Hopkins has volunteered with the Sierra Club, Girl Scouts and Prairie Rivers Network, supporting environmental education, conservation and community outreach. Her service has included speaking at a federal Environmental Protection Agency hearing.
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureates are recognized for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. Each receives a medallion and a $1,000 stipend.
