Press release from State Senator Johnny Nugent

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - State Sen. Johnny Nugent (R-Lawrenceburg) urges local fourth-grade students to celebrate Indiana’s 196^th 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 jhodge@idoa.in.gov to sign up.

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

“I hope all fourth-graders in our area participate in the Statehood Day activities in some way — whether that’s writing an essay or celebrating in the classroom or visiting Indianapolis,” Nugent said. “These are all great opportunities for young Hoosiers to learn first-hand about the history of their home state.”

Nugent 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.