HISTORY IN THE MAKING: 22ND ANNUAL LITTLE LINCOLN GETTYSBURG ADDRESS CONTEST


(WEST CHESTER, PA – December 7, 2021): The Chester County Community Foundation was proud to host the 22nd Annual Gettysburg Address Contest on December 4. Seven “Little Lincolns” dressed up as President Abraham Lincoln and recited the Gettysburg Address from the steps of the Historic Chester County Courthouse as a crowd of family members, friends, teachers, and community members cheered the middle schoolers on.

The event was organized by Joe Martino on behalf of the West Chester Historical & Architectural Review Board (HARB). He and event founder, Bob Gross, applaud the participants for their hard work, “each student did a great job delivering their speeches”.

Samantha Carroll from Fugett Middle School, Matthew Hogan from Saints Peter and Paul School, and Victoria Murray from Fugett Middle School placed first, second, and third, respectively. Matthew Hogan from Saints Peter and Paul School also won Best Costume. John Kelley from Saint Agnes School and Jack Armbruster, Naina Bhatia, and Nairi Pannosian from Fugett Middle School also participated in the contest.

Master of Ceremonies, Bob Gross, gave each student finalist a large Lincoln coin engraved with the Gettysburg Address, as this event celebrates the 157th anniversary of President Lincoln’s famous speech. Each participant was also awarded a cash prize and a copy of Malcolm Johnstone’s book For the Union, which follows the extraordinary story of how Quaker abolition, a hanging, a slave riot, and a small newspaper in West Chester set the stage to launch Lincoln’s quest for the presidency. State Senator Carolyn Comitta and State Representative Dianne Herrin were in attendance as well and presented the contestants with certificates.

A special thank you to the 2021 sponsors Delphi Wealth Management Group, Zukin Realty, Team Jean Gross Homes, State Senator Carolyn Comitta, and WhirlAway Travel, and to our judges Dr. John Noakes, Marie Martino, and Malcolm Johnstone. Also, 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.

Left photo caption: First place winner Samantha Carroll

Right photo caption (L to R): State Senator Carolyn Comitta, Malcolm Johnstone, Little Lincoln participants, State Representative Dianne Herrin, and Bob Gross

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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 $90 million in trust and annually awards $4.5 million in grants and scholarships. To learn more about the Community Foundation, visit www.chescocf.org.  

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For further information, contact:
Jamison Ludgate, Marketing Associate
Chester County Community Foundation
jamison@chescocf.org (484) 880 – 4527