December 8, 2025 (West Chester, PA). The place to be before the West Chester Holiday Parade last Friday was the Historic Lincoln Building. The 26th Annual Gettysburg Address Contest included seven middle school students from local West Chester schools. Amongst friends, family and parade goers, the Little Lincoln’s proudly recited the Gettysburg Address from the Lincoln Building balcony.
Hosted by the Chester County Community Foundation and the West Chester Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB), “although this year was cold, all seven students went out there undeterred and recited their speeches proudly” commented Joe Martino, event organizer.
Competitors Ananya Kathuria from Pierce Middle School, Ashvaith Adav Vasudev from Fugett Middle School, and Autumn Troop from Fugett Middle School won first, second, and third prizes respectively. Madelaine Bako from Saint Agnes School, Evan Topping from Saints Peter and Paul School, Meghna Gopinath from Fugett Middle School, and Ross Hemphill from Fugett Middle School were recognized for their hard work and dedication. Troop was also awarded best costume. Judges included Dr. Zebulun Davenport, Dr. Gerardina Martin, Dr. John Noakes, and Dr. Kate Shaw.
Emcee Ajené Livingston announced each student as they appeared on the balcony and stood by to help in case of any slip ups, of which there were none. Senator Carolyn Comitta was present to congratulate each contestant and watch on as they reenacted history.
The Community Foundation offers a thank you to all the students, teachers, parents, judges and schools for supporting this event. The 2025 program was generously sponsored by Zukin Reality and Senator Carolyn Comitta. The event was hosted and promoted by the Chester County Community Foundation.
The Little Lincoln Gettysburg Address contest encourages youth, families, and friends to become involved in their community and encourages an awareness of local history and events that have shaped our nation.
Photo Caption: Back Row (L to R): Madelaine Bako, Ashvaith Adav Vasudezv, Ross Hemphill, Evan Topping
Front Row (L to R): Ajené Livingston, Ananya Kathuria, Meghna Gopinath, Autumn Troop, Joe Martino
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About the Chester County Community Foundation
Headquartered in West Chester’s Lincoln Building, the Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter so their legacy philanthropy makes a difference now and forever. The Community Foundation holds over $136+ million in trust and annually awards $6+ million in grants and scholarships. To learn more about the Community Foundation, visit www.chescocf.org.
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