LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ Thousands of elementary school students have been invited to a series of birthday parties celebrating Nebraska's statehood. Secretary of State John Gales says he expects 3,300 students to attend the parties, scheduled for Feb. 22-26.

They'll be held in Omaha, Boys Town, Sidney, Scottsbluff, McCook, Kearney, Fremont, Seward, Columbus and Norfolk. Gale says he wants ``students to develop state pride and become good citizens.'' He plans to attend all 10 parties, appearing in costume as ``Cactus Jack.'' The parties are sponsored by Gale's office, the NEBRASKAland Foundation, the Nebraska Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. March 1 marks the 143rd anniversary of Nebraska's statehood.