| Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith presented the 2026 Golden Hoosier Award to 23 Hoosiers at the annual ceremony held on Sept. 2 at the Indiana Statehouse. “This award recognizes the people who served when no one was watching, but whose impact shaped a community,” Lieutenant Governor Beckwith said. “These Hoosiers have given years of their time, experience, and talents to others. Sharing their stories ensures their work is not only honored today but also serves as an example for the next generation.” The Golden Hoosier Award is the highest honor given by the lieutenant governor to Hoosiers 65 and older. Presented in partnership with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, AARP Indiana, and the Bureau of Better Aging, the award recognizes individuals for their years of commitment to their communities. Recipients, friends, and family members gathered in the statehouse atrium where the honorees’ stories of service were shared as they accepted their plaques. The reception following the event allowed attendees and recipients to build connections and share fond memories of service in Indiana. The 2026 Golden Hoosier Award recipients are: • Richard Barker, Noblesville • Susan Childs, Grovertown • Winston Clark, Carmel • Sharon Clouse, Montpelier • Raymond Collins, Terre Haute • Patty Cress, Clarksville • Mary Joan Dickson, Cedar Lake • Christopher Dodson, Marion • Betty Eldridge, Francesville • John Flinn, Bedford • Junior Gray, Albion • Michael Hemphill, Henryville • Don Hodson, Avon • Judy Hubbard, New Castle • Marcia Lochner, Knox • Dinah McClure, West Lafayette • Carol Price, Frankfort • Amy Reeves, Richmond • Sue Riester, Lowell • Susan Roberts, Brownsburg • Jesse Rogers, Gary • Timothy Stauffer, Fort Wayne • Elaine Wade, Loogootee Raymond Collins was honored posthumously. His daughter, Kristy McCullough, accepted the award on his behalf. Established in 2008, the Golden Hoosier Award has recognized hundreds of Hoosiers for their years of service. Eligible nominees must be current Indiana residents age 65 or older and have completed at least three consecutive years of volunteer service. |
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