What does Indiana mean to you?

To celebrate Indiana' 195th birthday, state legislators are asking fourth-grade students to write an essay describing what Indiana means to them.

The winning student will read his or her essay at the Statehouse on Friday, Dec. 9, during the birthday celebration there.

The contest is open to Indiana fourth-grade students in public or private schools or who are home schooled.

• Entries need to range from 100 to 400 words.
• They can be handwritten or typed.
• Essays must include the student's name, teacher's or parent's name, school's name and contact information, including address and telephone number.
• Students should convey what living in the state of Indiana means to them and highlight things that make them glad to be Hoosiers.
• Essays must be postmarked no later than Friday, Oct. 28.

Entries should be sent to
Jennifer Hodge, Coordinator, State Capitol Tour Office
200 W. Washington St., Room 220
Indiana Statehouse
Indianapolis, IN 46204

For more information, contact Hodge at 317-233-9830 or jhodge@idoa.in.gov.

Statehouse events begin at 9 a.m. and include tours and activities hosted by the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, legislature, Indiana Supreme Court, state museum, state library, historical bureau, history center and other state agencies. Students, their parents, teachers and principals can also visit with representatives of the state's executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. Officials will also display the original state constitution.