MACOMB, Ill.  -  Of all five Illinois state schools, Western Illinois' junior quarterback Matt Barr has been selected to receive the Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award.

A ceremony held in Springfield, Ill., this Saturday, will honor Barr with the prestigious award. All four academic colleges on the campus of Western Illinois selected a nominee and Barr was nominated by the College of Business and Technology for his academic success and involvement in extracurricular activities. The selection committee reviewed the nominees and chose Barr for the final nomination from Western Illinois.

Representing the Fighting Leathernecks, Barr carries a 3.838 grade point average with a major in accounting. He was voted a team captain this season and was the starting quarterback for the first four games, but suffered a season-ending injury against Southern Illinois forcing him to the sidelines for the remainder of the season.

Barr was granted the honor over nominees from Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Eastern Illinois and Southern Illinois. He will be recognized at the Honors Convocation of his graduation.