SPRINGFIELD – An essay contest for fifth grade through high school students with the theme “If I Were Santa Claus” opened Sept. 10, and the winners will be recognized during a historic Santa Claus exhibit later this year at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield. The deadline to submit entries is Nov. 2.

The essay contest for fifth- through eighth-grade students in one category and ninth-grade through high school students in another category on the theme “If I Were Santa Claus” will include cash prizes of $500, $250, $100, $50 and $25. The 200 to 250 word entries must be postmarked by Nov. 2. The entries may be handwritten or typed, and must be submitted by U.S. mail to: Santa Claus Essay Contest, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., Springfield, IL  62701. Entrants should include their grade level and contact information.

“The ‘If I Were Santa Claus’ essays should deal with themes of generosity, love, charity, peace or any of the positive attributes associated with Santa. Entrants should use their imaginations to write original, creative interpretations of the theme,” said Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Director Eileen Mackevich.