lincolnARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 211th birthday, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum announced the winners of an essay contest in the 16th President’s honor.

“I’m proud of all the students who submitted essays,” Gillespie said. “As we look to these young people to become tomorrow’s leaders, we know that an understanding of historical events and how they relate to our present-day politics is an important skill for them to learn.”

Kathryn Cataldo of Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School in Arlington Heights won the contest for 4th and 5th Graders. Madeline Aldworth of Lincoln Middle School in Mount Prospect won the contest for 7th and 8th Graders.

"I am so appreciative of the opportunity Senator Gillespie and Ms. Courtney at Lincoln Middle School gave me to participate in the Abraham Lincoln essay contest,” Aldworth said. “I am honored that my essay was chosen, and I am excited to learn more about our state government during my first visit to Springfield."

Both winners will receive a certificate from the Illinois Senate and free admission to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for a day.

“Congratulations to the winners. It was a pleasure to read their wonderful essays,” said Kayla Sorensen, Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “This essay contest is a great example of the different ways the presidential library engages the public, especially young people, on the topic of Abraham Lincoln. We look forward to collaborating on more projects with Senator Gillespie and other legislators in the future.”