November 9, 2025 - Two North Grove Elementary fourth grade students have been named finalists in the 2025 Indiana Statehood Day Essay Contest. Alice Church and Mariia Khakhula are among 45 students chosen from hundreds of entries.

The annual contest invites all Indiana fourth graders to write a 100- to 300-word essay as part of their study of Indiana history. The 2025 theme was “Explore Indiana” and encouraged students to share their appreciation for the Hoosier State by highlighting places and experiences that make it unique.

Three overall winners will be selected later this month and invited to attend Indiana’s 209th Statehood Day celebration in December.