Friends of the Lincoln Collection of Indiana, Inc. is proud to announce that Callie Lehman has won first place in the inaugural Lincoln essay contest for high school students in Allen County. The Carroll High School senior received a $1,000 check in a presentation Monday at the school. Callie is the daughter of Tracy Whan and Steve Lehman.

In second place was RaeAnn Dobler, Homestead High School, who received $500, and in third place was Amy Weibaker, Bishop Dwenger High School, who received $250.

A total of 14 students entered the contest, which asked them to (1) compare their learnings with what Abraham Lincoln learned when he was the same age in Indiana, and (2) reflect on key lessons from Lincoln’s teenage years that helped propel him to national leadership and could also propel them. Essays were judged by directors of the Lincoln Collection of Indiana. Funds for the prizes were donated by a board member. Each participant received a copy of David Reynolds’ “Lincoln’s Selected Writings.”

“We were very pleased with the participation in this year’s contest, and at the level of essays that were submitted,” said Sara Gabbard, Executive Director of Friends of the Lincoln Collection. “We hope to build on our success next year and attract even more young writers.”