About Us
Our Mission
The mission of Lincoln High School is to provide unique education with a focus on school to work transition. We envision Lincoln as a safe, caring educational environment in which opportunities are provided for students to:
- Develop a solid foundation of basic academic skills,
- Develop confidence in their ability to learn, create, think, and work with others,
- Feel valued, respected, motivated and proud of their school,
- Celebrate our diverse, multi-cultural student population.
- Accept and respond to personal, family, and community responsibilities,
- Become increasingly proficient and productive individuals,
- To interact with caring, committed teachers and staff,
- Develop healthy, active lifestyles, and
- Become people who adapt with ease to a changing global society.
Our History
Lincoln High School has a rich history. In 1888, Paine School was built in honor of Frank Paine, the first superintendent of the territorial prison (Walla Walla Penitentiary). In 1902, Paine was renamed Lincoln High School. It maintained that name for the next 25 years. Then, in 1927, the building was torn down following a fire and a new building was built on the same site, again taking on the Paine name. In 2012, we believed it was time to change Paine back to the name of Lincoln, giving us a new start and providing our students with a new culture and educational opportunities. Our master schedule is currently divided into 8 sessions, offering students many opportunities to earn credit. Students have access to a strong academic program for their core classes as well as a variety of elective classes. At Lincoln our motto is: We all belong. We can all succeed.
Our school mascot is the Phoenix. In ancient Egyptian mythology and in myths derived from it, the Phoenix is a mythical, sacred firebird. Said to live for 500 or 1461 years, the phoenix is a bird with beautiful gold and red plumage. At the end of its life-cycle, the phoenix builds itself a nest of cinnamon twigs that it then ignites; both the nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix arises. The bird was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible - a symbol of fire and divinity. Tears from a phoenix can heal wounds. The Phoenix represents many of our students who have overcome obstacles in their lives to come out stronger and more determined to reach their goals in life.