The Lincoln Essay Contest engages students with basic, democratic ideals as they study one of the most important leaders in the history of our country, Abraham Lincoln. Oklahoma students of all ages are eligible to participate.
New for 2012
Teachers, share how you incorporate the Lincoln Essay Contest in the classroom in our first lesson plan contest. Prizes: 1st place - $600, 2nd place - $500, 3rd place - $400. For teacher entry form and lesson plan format, click here. You must use our lesson plan structure to be eligible for the competition. To assist you please click here to see an example of a completed lesson plan.
2012 Lincoln Essay Contest
Topics for the Lincoln Essay Contest, through the year 2015, will observe the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, giving students an opportunity to study the significance "Mr. Lincoln's War," a defining moment in our nation's history.
Please note:
- All entries must be postmarked February 18, 2012.
- Each entry must have an entry form attached. Click here for entry form.
- Teachers, please check for plagiarism before submitting essays for judging.
Contest Categories
- Kindergarten through 1st Grade – Drawing
Drawing Topic – Draw an 8.5 x 11" picture that represents the daily life of a Civil War soldier.
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2nd through 3rd Grade – Drawing
Drawing Topic – Draw an 8.5 x 11"picture that represents the daily life of a Civil War soldier.
- 4th through 6th Grade – Essay [Up to 250 words]
Essay Topic - Write an essay explaining the importance in the North and South regarding Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation issued in September 1862. Instructions –Essays must be neatly printed or typed on only one side of each page.
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7th through 9th Grade – Essay [Up to 350 words]
Essay Topic - Explain the social and political outcomes of Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation issued in September 1862. Instructions –Essays must be neatly printed or typed on only one side of each page.
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10th through 12th Grade – Essay [Up to 500 words with sources cited at the end of the essay. Students are also required to use at least one primary source.]
Essay Topic – Explain the social and political outcomes of Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation issued in September 1862. Instructions –Essays must be neatly printed or typed on only one side of each page.
Prizes
First place winners in each category receive $200. Second place winners receive $150. Third place winners receive $100. Teachers of first place winners receive a $250 classroom grant.
The Lincoln Essay Contest winners' reception will be Saturday, April 21, 2012, at 10:00 am at the Oklahoma History Center.
Resource Materials
The Civil War Preservation Trust website includes a wealth of information for teachers and students regarding the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, www.civilwar.org/150th-anniversary/. The Lincoln Bicentennial Commission website includes lesson plans appropriate for middle and high school classes. Visit: http://www.abrahamlincoln200.org/learning-about-lincoln/for-teachers/default.aspx. A Lincoln curriculum is also available from the Oklahoma History Center. In preparation for the Sesquicentennial, the National Park Service has undertaken a multi-faceted, multi-year, integrated program that will simultaneously transform and improve interpretation of the Civil War, http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/civwar150.html
2011 Lincoln Essay Contest Winners
Thanks to all who entered the contest and congratulations to our winners.
Kindergarten through 1st Grade:
1st Place - Thomas Buchanan, Virginia Smith Elementary, Harrah
2nd Place - Makenzie McIntosh, Eufaula Elementary
3rd Place - Luke Holman, Eufaula Elementary
2nd through 3rd Grade:
1st Place - Nicole Childers, South Rock Creek Elementary, Shawnee
2nd Place - Dawson Arnett, South Rock Creek Elementary, Shawnee
3rd Place - Koy Harley, Central Elementary, Idabel
4th through 6th Grade:
1st Place - Jace Wallace, Elmore City - Pernell Elementary
2nd Place - Mallorie Lane, Choctaw Middle School, Choctaw
3rd Place - Zach Pratt, Lincoln Elementary, Ardmore
7th through 9th Grade:
1st Place - Kylie Trower, Owasso 8th Grade Center, Owasso
2nd Place - Derik Daubenspeck, Cache Middle School
3rd Place - Jackie Marquez, Owasso 8th Grade Center, Owasso
10th through 12th Grade:
1st Place - Aileen Barton, Latta High School
2nd Place - Taylor Barrett, Lawton High School
3rd Place - Chendria Person, Lawton High School
2012 Corporate Sponsors
Thank you for your continued support of the Lincoln Essay Contest!