This year marks the 25th anniversary for the ICHV Abraham Lincoln Award, named for an Illinoisan who had the courage and conviction to work for change in our society. Abraham Lincoln was one of our greatest presidents, but tragically was a victim of gun violence. Choosing a recipient worthy of receiving an award bearing Lincoln's name is never easy. We look for individuals who, through their dedication and actions, show the courage to effect change on gun violence prevention issues. Honorees share our vision to reduce the death and injury caused by gun violence, and they help us achieve that vision through their outstanding efforts.

Each year, thousands of students participate in the Essay, Poetry & Art Contest, sponsored by ICHV. The goal of the contest, which is open to students in grades 1 through 12, is to help bring young people into the debate and to give them a means of raising their own voices while exercising their creative writing and artistic talents. A celebrity panel of blue ribbon judges selects from hundreds of entries, choosing the best-composed and most powerful pieces. ICHV compiles the winning entries into packets to highlight the students' works. Packets are distributed to our members, schools, elected officials and the media. Winners for this year's contest will be announced later this spring.

Individual winners win a new computer for themselves and a $100 donation for their schools. The 2006-07 contest saw more than 600 entries, and the 10 winners were honored at an awards assembly. The assembly provides an opportunity to recognize the winners and all the students for their involvement in gun violence prevention efforts.