Statehood Day Essay Contest Winners Announced

Last updated on Wednesday, December 13, 2017

(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Center for the Book, a program of the Indiana State Library, is pleased to announce the 2018 Statehood Day Essay contest winners.

The winners are as follows:

First place: Anna Parrish, Van Rensselaer Intermediate School in Rensselaer, Ind.
Second place: Ozzy Jankowski, West Terrace Elementary School in Evansville, Ind.
Third place: Nick Wiley, East Washington Academy in Muncie, Ind.
Fourth place: Tristian Holt, Ireland Elementary School in Ireland, Ind.

Each year, the Indiana Statehouse Tour Office, in conjunction with the Indiana Center for the Book, holds an essay competition to commemorate Indiana Statehood Day on, or near, the anniversary of the date when Indiana became a state, Dec. 11, 1816. Winners are honored at a Statehood Day Celebration at one of four downtown Indianapolis locations, including the Indiana State Library, the Capitol Tour Office, the Indiana State Museum and the Indiana Historical Society. On Monday, at the state library, Jankowski presented his essay titled "What Makes You Proud to Live in Indiana?" adhering to the theme of Hoosier pride. The celebration also included presentations by local storyteller Celestine Bloomfield, Justice Mark S. Massa, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick and an appearance by Abraham Lincoln impersonator Dean Dorrell. "The Indiana Center for the Book loves coordinating this contest every year because it is so fun to see how fourth graders interpret the theme. Choosing the top four essays is challenging, but we have a large panel of judges and we all enjoy reading the thoughts of the fourth graders," said Suzanne Walker, director of the Indiana Center for the Book. The contest takes place annually in the fall and is open to all Indiana fourth graders. All Indiana students are taught Indiana history as part of their fourth grade curriculum. Click here for more information on Statehood Day. Click here for information on the Indiana Center for the Book. The Indiana State Library is dedicated to serving Indiana residents, leading and supporting the library community and preserving Indiana history.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

Click here to go back to previous page