Schoolchildren to mark state's 193rd birthday

Hundreds of schoolchildren are expected to gather at the Statehouse on Friday to celebrate the 193rd anniversary of Indiana's statehood.

The noontime activities will include music by the Frankfort High School choir and appearances by this year's statewide essay contest winners.

Nearly 2,500 students entered an essay contest on what Indiana, which became the 19th state on Dec. 11, 1816, means to them.

State Sen. Jim Merritt will introduce contest winner Megan Moran of Killbuck Elementary School in Anderson and runner-up Renee Zachary of Adams Elementary School in Sheridan.