STATEHOUSE – State Representative Rhonda Rhoads (R-Corydon) congratulates the first place winner of the Annual Statehood Day Essay Competition, Olivia Abner. Olivia is a fourth grade student at Morgan Elementary in the North Harrison Community School district.
“Being a retired teacher from Morgan Elementary, I am so proud of Olivia and all of the students who took advantage of this learning opportunity while celebrating great Hoosier moments throughout history,” said Rep. Rhoads. “The annual Statehood Day essay contest is a fun way to emphasize Indiana’s history, which is taught in the fourth-grade curriculum.”
In an effort to kick off Indiana’s 200th Statehood Day, which will be in 2016, this year’s theme was Hoosier Bicentennial Moments. Bicentennial moments could include historical moments, significant events or great moments in time for Indiana or Hoosiers. Olivia’s essay is entitled “Signing of the Indiana Constitution under the Constitution Elm Tree.”
“I am very pleased one of our own talented students from Southern Indiana was recognized during the celebration at the Statehouse today. Olivia’s hard work did not go unnoticed,” said Rep. Rhoads.
The winners were invited to read their essays at one of the four participating locations in celebration of Indiana’s 198th Statehood Day. Olivia read her essay at the Statehouse celebration in Indianapolis.
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Rep. Rhoads represents portions of Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties.
