Sunday, May 17th

This program does not include or require admission.

To honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Vermont’s 8th graders were invited to reflect on the enduring significance of America’s founding document. Students from around the state weighed in on a wide range of current national issues, answering the question of whether actions being taken to address these concerns align with the country’s bedrock tenets.

Hildene received 147 submissions to this year’s 8th Grade Lincoln Essay Competition, now celebrating its 20th year. First, second, and third-place winners were chosen from each of four regions, with a two-way tie for third in one of the regions. Three honorable mentions were selected from the remaining combined pool of finalists.

Students will be coming from all over the state to be honored at the Lincoln Essay Competition Awards Luncheon in Hildene’s Lincoln Hall on Sunday, May 17th. The public is also welcome to attend what has become one of Hildene’s most uplifting and inspiring occasions. To see the list of winners, learn more about the LEC, and to RSVP, please click here.