Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest1st Prize $1000 | 2nd Prize $500 | 3rd Prize $250Our topic for 2008:“Lincoln at 200: still relevant?”February 12, 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. What relevance, if any, does Lincoln's life and accomplishments have to the challenges faced by today's generation? Contest Rules:Please examine the rules below closely before contacting The Lincoln Forum or the contest coordinator with eligibility questions.
The scholarship essay contest is designed for students who are FULL TIME students in an AMERICAN COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY during the Spring 2008 semester. The July 31 deadline is designed to give these students time to finish their essays, if need be, after final exams.
You do not have to be an American citizen, but you do need to be attending an AMERICAN COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY during the eligibility period.
It is NOT open to high school students. Key question to consider; when we contact your college or university registrar will they be able to confirm that you were enrolled as a full-time college student during the spring 2008 semester? If the answer is no, you are not eligible.
The eligibility of entrants will be confirmed by the Lincoln Forum prior to the awarding of prizes.
Entries will be judged by the essay committee of The Lincoln Forum.
Deadline for entries is July 31, 2008
Entries must contain a minimum of 1,500 and a maximum of 5,000 words.
Essays may be submitted via regular mail (postmarked by July 31, 2008) or via e-mail (time stamped before midnight PST July 31, 2008) to the address below. The essay must be typed and include a works-cited page or bibliography. End notes are suggested but not required.
There is no application form for the contest. The essay and your contact information serves as your application.
Applicants must include the name of their college or university with their entire and all contact information (regular and email address) must be put on the essay proper.
Judging will take place during the fall. The three winners will be announced at the Lincoln Forum annual meeting in Gettysburg on November 18th. Checks from the Lincoln forum will be sent to the winners in December 2008. The scholarship prize money is designed as a reward for academic excellence. It can be used for any purpose the winner desires.
The essay can be sent via email ( e-mail: archives@akspl.org ) or regular mail to the address below. Don McCue, curator of The Lincoln Shrine in Redlands, California serves as coordinator of the Essay Contest. If the above information does not answer your question please contact: Don McCue, Curator -- Lincoln Memorial Shrine
125 W. Vine St.
Redlands, CA 92373 phone: (909) 798-7632
e-mail: archives@akspl.org |
2007 Essay Contest WinnersFirst Prize: Andrew Buchwach, Depaul UniversitySecond Prize: Brian Rose, Southern Illinois University at CarbondaleThird Prize: Katherine Petti, Harvard University The Topic of the 2007 Essay Topic was: “Abraham Lincoln — Lawyer in the White House:How did Lincoln’s study and practice of law prepare him for the challenges he would face during his Presidency?”
2006 Essay Contest WinnersFirst Prize: Matthew Baker, Bob Jones UniversitySecond Prize: Brian Rose, Truman State UniversityThird Prize: Ethan Evans, Miami of Ohio University The Topic of the 2006 Essay Topic was:
"Lincoln and the Mexican-American War" 2006 marks the 160th anniversary of the start of the Mexican-American War. Then-Congressman Abraham Lincoln opposed the war, a stand which may have cost him a chance at re-election. Was this decision Lincoln's greatest political mistake? Compare and contrast this decision with others in Lincoln's life that you believe were erroneous or shortsighted and discuss the political perils and moral challenges of opposing wars and the Presidents who wage them.
2005 Essay Contest WinnersFirst Prize: Jonathan Steplyk, Ripon CollegeSecond Prize: Eric Li, University of MichiganThird Prize: Brittany Greggorson, Georgetown University The Topic of the 2005 Essay Topic was:
"If Lincoln had lived...." 2005 marks the 140th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
If Abraham Lincoln had not been assassinated, how would the course of American history have changes?
2004 Essay Contest Winners:First Prize: George Gilbert, Duke UniversitySecond Prize: Amanda Taylor, Carrol College (MT)Third Prize: Brad Reid, SUNY Stony BrookThe Topic of the 2004 Essay was:"The Challenge of Holding an Election in the Midst of War"Compare and contrast Abraham Lincoln's re-election in 1864 with other wartime elections in American History.
2003 Essay Contest Winners:First Prize: John Bellocchio, Seton Hall UniversitySecond Prize: Monica Modi, Yale UniversityThird Prize: James Alfred Stewart, Briercrest Bible CollegeThe Topic of the 2003 Essay was:
"Lincoln's Image in Popular Culture"Citing examples, discuss how Abraham Lincoln has been portrayed in television, motion pictures and advertising. How faithful are these images to the true Lincoln? How has Lincoln's image changed over the years? What do these changes say about each generation's interpretation of Lincoln?
2001 Essay Contest Winner wasMatthew DunnThe Topic of the 2001 Essay Contest was:
"Abraham Lincoln: Liberator or Racist?"
Winners of the 2000 Essay ContestThe Topic of the 2000 Essay Contest was:
"Abraham Lincoln and Civil Liberties:
Constitutional Stalwart or Tyrant??" Winners were: David Byers $1000 prizeColleen Bowman $500 prizeDaniel Marcinak $250 prize
Winners of the 1999 Essay ContestThe Topic of the 1999 Essay Contest was:
"Abraham Lincoln the myth versus Abraham Lincoln the man" Winners were: Vickey Kalambakal $1000 prizeGina Sandvick $500 prizeAdam Tompkins $250 prize |
