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Essays About Lincoln
In November 1863, President Abraham Lincoln was invited to say "a few appropriate remarks" to dedicate a cemetery in rural Pennsylvania, the final resting place for more than 50,000 Americans who gave their lives during the Civil War. Facing a divided nation, Lincoln expressed in less than 300 words that from this terrible sacrifice "this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Lincoln's Gettysburg Address became one of our nation's most revered speeches. Today, the nation is again divided and at war. Imagine yourself in Lincoln's place. What would you say to your fellow citizens to unite the country? In 300 words or less, tell what your ideals are for a nation of freedom, democracy and equal opportunity.
Competition Levels
Level 1: Grades 5-6
Level 2: Grades 7-8
Level 3: Grades 9-12
Awards
The Illinois Center for the Book with select a first-, second-, and third-place winning essay in each of the three competition levels. The Illinois State Library will send the winners and their parents/guardians to Springfield for an awards presentation in conjunction with the bicentennial celebration of Lincoln's birthday. Winners will read their essays at the awards ceremony, tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and receive a plaque and cash award: $200 first-place; $150 second-place; $100 third-place. Winning essays also will be published in the 2009 Handbook of Illinois Government.
Deadline
Submit essays by May 31, 2008. Winners will be notified in December, 2008.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Bonnie Matheis, 217-558-2065, bmatheis@ilsos.net, or illinoiscenterforthebook.org.
Applications are also available here at the library.
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