State Rep. Woody Burton joined fourth graders and their teachers from across the state for the Statehood Day Celebration at the Statehouse today. The celebration was to commemorate Indiana’s 196th birthday as the 19th state to join the Union on December 11, 1816.
In honor of the festivities, the Indiana Statehouse Tour Office and Indiana Center for the Book sponsored the Statehood Day Essay Contest. The contest takes place annually in the fall and is open to all Indiana fourth graders. The students were asked to reflect on what it means to live in Indiana and why they are happy to be a Hoosier. The essays were judged by a panel of Indiana State Library staff and volunteer educators. The winner and finalists, along with their class, were invited to attend today’s ceremony.
Nearly 1,000 essay entries from all over the state were received. The winner was Jamie Poynter from Greenwood Bible Baptist School. Jamie received a certificate from the Governor, a flag flown over the Capitol and a $300 scholarship from the Treasurer. In addition, she was recognized by Rep. Burton as an honorary legislator for the day.
“I would like to congratulate Jamie on this prestigious honor,” said Rep. Burton. “She offered a unique recollection about how Indiana remains the same even during seasonal changes. The “can do” attitude of Hoosiers that she mentions in her essay is the reason why we are the state that we are today. It was heartwarming to read Jamie’s essay, and I know that there are many more accolades to be coming her way throughout her academic career and beyond.”
In her essay, Jamie depicted the changing of seasons in Indiana. She enjoys watching downtown Indianapolis “light up with the magic of Christmas” this time of year. In the summer, Jamie and her family enjoy attending the State Fair and the Freedom Parade. She compared the changing of seasons to the experiences each Hoosier family goes through.
“Some will face illness, poverty and setbacks,” she said. “Yet although seasons in life of people change, my state bands together as families and practice the great ‘can do’ attitude that makes me proud to be called a Hoosier. They lend a hand to those in need and care for the hurting in times of losses. Although the seasons change, Indiana remains the same.”
