Schools Statement from Governor Quinn on Selection of Illinois as a ‘Race to the Top’ Finalist by Gary Kopycinski on July 27, 2010 Gary Kopycinski Author More in Schools: Save the date for The Prairie Party at theNate June 17, 2026 Governors State Has New Soccer Complex and New Men’s Coach June 17, 2026 Amauree Williams Caps Historic Southland Career with Three State Championships June 3, 2026 CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–July 27, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement regarding Illinois’ selection as a finalist for the second phase of the U.S. Department of Education’s ‘Race to the Top’ competition.