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It was a
sweep of sorts. Six students from St. Agatha School won
1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize in their respective grades in
the annual Forbes House Museum Essay Contest. Seventh
Graders Ian Grant, Mike Fahy, and Molly Plunkett won first,
second, and third prize, and Eighth Graders Mariamawit
Loulseged, Tommy Besinger, and Anna Duffy also placed
first, second, and third as well. According to Christine
Sullivan, Director of the Forbes House Museum, over 100
entries were submitted for the Middle School writing competition.
“These students did great writing, and I am very
pleased for them,” said Sullivan in remarks after
the awards ceremony held at the museum.
Each year, the Forbes House sponsors an essay and drawing
competition based on the life and accomplishments of President
Lincoln for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8.
This year, the assignment connected both Lincoln and President
Obama to the dilemma that war presents. According to Dr.
Thomas Turner, Chairman of the Lincoln Committee for the
museum, a great deal of planning and thought went into
this year’s assignment. “In 1860, the newly
elected President Abraham Lincoln took office facing a
war crisis. One hundred and fifty years later, President
Barack Obama assumed the presidency facing another war
crisis. Imagine if President Lincoln could advise President
Obama on the current conflict; what advice would he give
him?” said Turner. Turner stated that the committee
always finds it interesting and enjoyable to read through
all of the essays that are submitted for consideration
in the contest.
The connections made by the students in their essays were
impressive. For instance, Molly Plunkett pointed out how
proud President Lincoln might have been particularly thrilled
to shake the hand of Barack Obama since he is the first
African-American President. Ian Grant stated that President
Obama, like Lincoln, “was not completely supported
(by the citizens) for changes he wanted to make.”
Finally, Michael Fahy cited the famous Beatles song in
his essay title, “HELP! I Need Somebody!”
He went on to explain that everyone needs help, and President
Obama is no exception; he could surely receive useful
advice from President Lincoln since military conflict
is, and was, present during both administrations.
Eighth Grader Anna Duffy also wrote that the American
public has criticized Obama in the same manner that they
criticized Lincoln. Lincoln’s war strategy was to,
“eliminate the enemy, but with it came great casualties
to American soldiers.” Duffy explained that this
is very similar to Obama staying the course by eliminating
terrorists even though heavy casualties have been suffered.
As well, Tom Besinger’s essay was a daydream written
in the present tense as if President Lincoln were alive
today advising President Obama over lunch. Finally, Mariamawit
Loulseged summarized it very concisely, pointing out that
Lincoln and Obama have many things in common. She said
that, “their similarities would make it easier for
them to discuss their opinions.” The title of her
essay was “Advice Leads to Success.”
“I am truly pleased and proud for all of our students.
They worked very hard on this writing project and they
made some very impressive connections between Presidents
Lincoln and President Obama,” said Maureen Simmons,
Principal of St. Agatha School. Bob McDermott, Language
Arts Teacher for the Seventh and Eighth Grade also had
high praise for his students. “Writing can be tricky
and difficult, and these students grasped the concept
extremely well and developed their writing in a very personal
and effective manner. They connected well ot the task
at hand. I very much look forward to participating in
this worthwhile competition next year. And who knows,
maybe there will be another sweep,” said McDermott
with a smile.
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