Fourth Graders: What does Indiana mean to you?
As the 19th state to join the union on Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana has a long, storied history that unites us all as present day Hoosiers. Understanding our state’s history is important to truly appreciate the sacrifices that were made to make Indiana what it is today. By knowing where we came from, we can help get to where we want to be as a person, family, community, city or state. Indiana has put forth tremendous resources to be labeled as the “Crossroads of America”. Our state’s great location serves as a connection point for residents, travelers and commerce across the U.S. But that isn’t all we are known for. The nation’s first long distance race, the Indianapolis 500, was held in Indianapolis in 1911. Fort Wayne hosted the first professional baseball game in 1871, and Evansville was the largest inland producer of LSTs (Tank Landing Ships) during WWII. The Hoosier heritage runs deep in all of us, but my list of Indiana fun facts is not the best way to become acquainted with our great state. It can be a rewarding experience to do some research on our state and teach your children about Indiana. A great opportunity to educate our youth on the importance of our past is the Fourth Grade Student Essay Competition. All across the state, Hoosier fourth graders will be writing about "What Indiana Means to Me" with winning applicants being honored at the Indiana Statehouse on December 11. The Indiana Statehouse Tour Office and the Indiana Center for the Book are hosting the competition to commemorate Indiana Statehood Day and to learn from fourth graders what it means to be a Hoosier. Indiana Statehood Day at the Statehouse is an excellent opportunity for students to gain knowledge about their state’s richly diverse history. During this celebration, there will be fun state-related activities complete with souvenir stamp books for each student. Here is what you need to know if your student(s) would like to compete:
315 West Ohio Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
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Guest column is published in the Posey County News.
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