December 4, 2023 (West Chester, PA). The place to be before the West Chester Holiday Parade last Friday was the Historic Lincoln Building. The 24th Annual Gettysburg Address Contest included six middle school students from local West Chester schools. Amongst friends, family and parade goers below braving the rain, 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), “it’s such a pleasure getting to see these students proudly recite the Gettysburg Address in front of such a large crowd” commented Joe Martino, event organizer.
Competitors Adwaith Shamjith from Fugett Middle School, Dane Bellucci from Fugett Middle School, and Katie Keeler from Fugett Middle School won first, second, and third prizes respectively. Bellucci was also awarded best costume. Evan Iyer from Saints Peter and Paul School, Andrew Chen from Fugett Middle School, and Divi Muthukrishnan from Pierce Middle School were recognized for their hard work and dedication. Judges included Rev. Dr. Richelle Foreman Gunter, Dr. John Noakes, Matthew Roberson and Dr. Kate Shaw.
Emcee Malcolm Johnstone 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 all the students, teachers, parents, judges and schools for supporting this event. The 2023 program was generously sponsored by Delphi Wealth Management Group, Chuck J. Piola, Team Jean Homes, Zukin Reality, and Friends of Carolyn T. 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 (left): Left to right – Divi Muthukrishnan, Adwaith Shamjith, Dane Bellucci, Evan Lyer, Andrew Chen and Katie Keeler.
Photo Caption (right): Divi Muthukrishnan pictured while delivering speech from Lincoln Balcony.
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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 nearly $100 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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