(WEST CHESTER, PA – December 10, 2019) – The Chester County Community Foundation was proud to host the 21st Annual Gettysburg Address Contest this past weekend before the big QVC Christmas Parade. Seven “Little Lincolns” recited the Gettysburg Address atop the Lincoln Biography Building’s balcony as a crowd of family members, friends and parade-goers cheered the middle schoolers on.
This year’s Little Lincoln Contest was organized by Joe Martino on behalf of HARB (The Borough of West Chester Historical & Architectural Review Board). He and event founder, Bob Gross, comment on the success of the event and applaud the participants for their hard work, “each student did a great job delivering their speeches”.
Yassin Jackson, Alexa Rogers and Elizabeth Alexis from Fugett Middle School placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Hazel Walker from Saint Agnes School won Best Costume of the night. Alex Chen from Fugett Middle School, Will Cortes from Pierce Middle School and Isabella Marie Iannelli from Saints Peter and Paul School also participated in the contest. Cash prizes and certificates were presented to all. Judges included Anthony Jasienski, Dr. John Noakes and Dr. Kate Shaw.
Master of Ceremonies, Bob Gross, gave each student finalist a large Lincoln coin engraved with the Gettysburg Address, as this event celebrates the 156th anniversary of President Lincoln’s famous speech. Representative Carolyn Comitta and Don Vymazal, II from State Senator Andy Dinniman’s office also presented each contestant with a certificate.
A special thank you to the 2019 Top Hat Champion, DNB First; 1st Place Prize Sponsor, Delphi Wealth Management Group; and Prize Patrons: Friends of Andy Dinniman, In Memory of Stanford Roland “Stan” Zukin, McFadden Hotel Group, Team Jean Homes and WhirlAway Travel & Cruise Consultants
Lastly, a massive thank you to all the students, teachers, parents and schools for supporting the Little Lincolns. This event encourages youth to become more involved in the community and gain a deeper appreciation for the ways local history has shaped the nation.
Photo: ©2019 Scott Rowan Photography, scottrowan.photoshelter.com
Photo caption: Hazel Walker atop the Lincoln Biography Building’s balcony
For further information, contact:
Beth Krallis, Marketing & Communications Officer
Chester County Community Foundation
bethk@chescocf.org (484) 887-0467
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About the Chester County Community Foundation
Headquartered in West Chester’s Historic 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 $70 million in trust and annually awards $3.5+ million in grants and scholarships. www.chescocf.org.
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