State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) urges local fourth-grade students to celebrate Indiana’s 196th birthday by entering the annual Statehood Day essay contest and answering the question, “What does Indiana mean to you?” before Oct. 29.

Local fourth-grade classrooms are also invited to attend Statehood Day celebrations in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Space is limited and classrooms must be registered. Teachers can contact Capitol Tour Office Coordinator Jennifer Hodge at 317-233-5293 or [email protected] to sign up.

Indiana became the nation’s 19th state on Dec. 11, 1816.

“With our state’s expansive history, there are a number of things that make Indiana special,” Mishler said. “This essay contest allows fourth-graders the opportunity to learn about Indiana history and share what makes our state special to them.”

Mishler added that the essay competition is open to any fourth-grade public, private or home-schooled student and is easy to enter. The following rules apply:

• Essays must include the student’s name, teacher’s or parent’s name, school’s name and contact information, including address and telephone number.
• Entries must range from 100 to 400 words, handwritten or typed.
• Students should convey what living in the state of Indiana means to them and highlight things that make them glad to be a Hoosier.
• Essays must be postmarked no later than Monday, Oct. 29. Mailed essays should be sent to:

Indiana Center for the Book, 315 West Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Judges will choose first-, second-, third- and fourth-place winners, who will be invited to read their essays during the Dec. 11 celebrations in Indianapolis.

For more information about the Statehood Day programs, visit www.in.gov/idoa/2774.htm.