The Oregon Lincoln Bicentennial Committee announces the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Essay Writing Competition for high school students (grades 9-12).  The objectives of the competition are to encourage today’s youth to evaluate Abraham Lincoln’s contributions to American History, foster an awareness of the role that he played as President of the United States, and to make connections to similar events in today’s world. Further information about the Oregon Lincoln Bicentennial Commission may be found on its web site at:  www.ous.edu/lincoln

One essay contest winner in each of Oregon’s Congressional Districts winner will receive a $1,500 cash award.  In addition, judges will award second place cash prizes of $500 in each Congressional District.  One state-wide winner will be selected from among the five district winners. Honorable mentions may be awarded.  All winners receive a Certificate of Achievement.

We hope that you will encourage your students to participate and will guide their participation by helping them to interpret the writing topic:  Abraham Lincoln’s Leadership.    We suggest you give each student a copy of the prompt on page 2, to use as he/she works through the writing topic.  As they near the completion of their work, students should be given the sheet with detailed instructions and the Registration Form/Checklist.  Please assist the student in completing the form and sign it indicating that the final entry meets all of the qualifying requirements.  Included also is a flyer to post on bulletin boards in the classroom and around the school.  You can download and print it in color from the website.

Entries for this writing competition are due February 12, 2009.    Winners will be notified in April, 2009 and will receive awards at a ceremony in May, 2009.  Winning entries will be publicized and displayed throughout the year and in various venues, giving students an opportunity to be recognized for outstanding achievement beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

The rewards are not only in the prizes and public recognition, but also in learning to evaluate history and to develop verbal skills.

We look forward to seeing your students’ creative work.

Best regards,
Mike Burton
OLCB Chair

 

Complete Rules and Application form