ARLINGTON 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.

Read more: Gillespie announces winners of Lincoln essay contest

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement after Gov. Pritzker’s State of the State address:

“Gov. Pritzker’s emphasis on early childhood education and job creation sets the bar for legislators to build an economy that allows working people to succeed. I am committed to doing all I can in the Senate to pass the initiatives needed to build that framework.

“By investing in early education and job creation, Illinois is making a promise to working people that we will stand with them their entire lives and help them succeed.

“I was heartened to hear the governor call for meaningful ethics reform. The bipartisan commission on ethics will make recommendations later this year and I am looking forward to working with them and the governor to clean up Springfield.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Four local park districts will receive extra help from the state for improvement projects, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced today.

“Our local park departments work hard to manage the facilities that offer residents an active and healthy lifestyle,” Gillespie said. “These grants will help them continue their work without burdening local taxpayers.”

Read more: Gillespie announces over $1.5 million investment in local parks

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – The Illinois Secretary of State’s School Library Grant program will award six local school districts over $33,000 in state funds, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced today.

“Developing a love of reading and strong reading skills is one of the most beneficial investments we can make in education,” Gillespie said. “Keeping school libraries up to date with contemporary literature will help young students find books they enjoy and have positive effects on their educational career.”

Read more: Six local schools to receive state library grants