On Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana was admitted as the 19th state to join the union, making this year our state’s 197th birthday. Knowing Indiana’s history is important for a multitude of reasons because it allows us to truly understand the significance of our rich past and appreciate the cultural heritage we possess as Hoosiers. Indiana has been home to several notable events throughout the years. The first long-distance automobile race in the U.S. was held in Indianapolis in 1911, and our state boasts more miles of interstate highway per square mile than any other state, establishing the motto “Crossroads of America.” Learning about Indiana on your own can be a rewarding way to teach yourself and your children more about how Indiana evolved into the great place it is today. One great opportunity to educate our youth on the importance of our past is the Fourth Grade Student Essay Competition. Hosted by the Indiana Statehouse Tour office, the Indiana Center for the Book and the Indiana State Library, this year’s essay topic will be Hoosier Bicentennial Heroes. Winners of the essay contest will be honored at the Statehood Day Celebrations on Wednesday, December 11, 2013. This is what you need to know if your student(s) would like to participate: • The competition is open to any Indiana fourth grade public, private or homeschooled student. • Essays must range from 100 to 300 words and can be handwritten or typed. • Student’s name, teacher’s name, school’s name, address, telephone number and a valid email address for the teacher or individual must be included with the entry. • Essays should be reflective of the Hoosier Bicentennial Heroes theme. • Essays must be postmarked by Friday, October 25, 2013. Electronic submissions will not be accepted. Essays should be mailed to: Indiana Center for the Book Suzanne Walker 140 N. Senate Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204 • First, second, third and fourth place winners will be decided by a panel of judges. Winners and their classes will be invited to read their essay at one of the four participating locations (Indiana Statehouse, Indiana State Museum, Indiana State Library or the Indiana Historical Society) on December 11th for Indiana’s 197th birthday. All four locations will be participating in the formal Statehood Day program, which includes guest speakers from Indiana state government in addition to the reading of a winning Statehood Day Essay. For more information on the essay contest, please visit: in.gov/library/statehood.htm. The old adage “you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been” is a good way of reminding us that the past has so much to teach us if we take the time to do a little research and learn from both our successes and our mistakes. I encourage you to spread the word about this contest and maybe pick up a little Indiana history along the way. -30-
Rep. Crouch (R-Evansville) represents portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
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