U.S. Senator Evan Bayh invites children across Indiana to take part in an effort to pay tribute to Outstanding Hoosier Dads by writing essays about what makes their father an outstanding dad. Bayh, a long-time leader in promoting responsible fatherhood, hopes to use the essays to recognize Hoosier men working hard to be good fathers while also encouraging other men to play a role in their children's lives.

"Collecting essays from children across the state will help honor dads who go the extra mile to spend time with their kids and

show them how much they care," Senator Bayh said. "As a nation, we have far to go to reverse the trend of absentee fathers, but there are millions of men who are already doing their part to help raise their children, and they deserve our thanks this Father's Day. At the same time, I hope these essays will serve as a reminder to all men to play an active role in their children's lives."

Senator Bayh will enter three of the top essays he receives into the Congressional Record of the United States Senate. Participants whose essays are

selected for the Congressional Record will receive a letter from Senator Bayh and a framed copy of the winning essay as entered into the Congressional Record.

All Hoosiers under the age of 18 are encouraged to submit essays. Essays should be 150 words or less and sent to OutstandingDads@bayh.senate. gov or faxed to 202-2282117. All essays must be turned in no later than June 4. Participants should include their name, age, home address, phone number and the name of their father with their essay.