Area fourth-graders, along with their principals, teachers and parents, are invited to a special birthday party at the Statehouse, according to state Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg).

Many activities are planned to celebrate Statehood Day Friday, Dec. 11, the day Indiana officially became this nation’s 19th state in 1816.

The day will begin at 9 a.m. and include interactive activities presented by the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor, legislature, Indiana Supreme Court, state museum, state library archives section, historical bureau, history center and other state agencies. Students will also have a chance to visit many executive, legislative and judicial offices.

At noon, the celebration will move to the North Atrium for a program featuring words of welcome from government officials, musical performances, installation of original copies of Indiana’s 1816 and 1851 state constitutions into a display case in the Rotunda and the reading of a winning essay titled “What Indiana Means to Me.”

The essay competition is open to any fourth-grade public, private or home-schooled student. Essays need to range from 100-400 words and can be handwritten or typed. They must include names of the student, teacher and school, address and telephone number. They essays should convey what makes the student glad to be a Hoosier. The deadline for entries is Monday, Nov. 2.

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

Schools interested in bringing students to this special day of activities can call the Capitol Tour Office at 317-233-5293. School officials are encouraged to make plans soon because space may be limited.