2018 Indiana Statehood Day Essay Contest Winners Announced

Last updated on Monday, December 17, 2018

(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: Mylee Sinn, Van Rensselaer Intermediate School in Rensselaer, Ind.
Second place: Joe Gregory, Maple Grove Elementary in Bargersville, Ind.
Third place: Ashlynn Durham Pugh, Highland Elementary in Evansville, Ind.
Fourth place: Bella Cerrie, Christ the King Catholic School, in Indianapolis, 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, Gregory presented his essay titled "Why I Am Proud to Be a Hoosier" adhering to the theme of "Proud of Indiana." The celebration also included government officials, exhibit areas and a presentation featuring a James Whitcomb Riley impersonator.

"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.

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