EVANSVILLE, IN — January 29, 2026 — Leadership Everyone (LE) announced today that it will honor 138 nominees at the 31st Annual Celebration of Leadership (COL) on March 18, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Old National Events Plaza. The event is presented by CenterPoint Energy.

Celebration of Leadership is a community-wide recognition program honoring individuals, projects or programs, and businesses or organizations whose collaborative efforts strengthen and transform the region. Nominees are recognized across five categories: Arts & Culture; Community & Neighborhood; Education; Government, Public Service & Environment; and Health & Social Services.

For three decades, COL has been known for its breadth, diversity, and ability to inspire civic engagement. Since its inception, the program has recognized nearly 3,000 nominations and presented more than 900 awards,highlighting servant leadership in action throughout the region.

Nominees will be recognized at the March 18 ceremony, with award recipients announced live during the event. In advance of the celebration, nominees will also be invited to a special networking reception on February 22,offering an opportunity to connect, share their work, and celebrate alongside fellow changemakers.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students, with complimentary tickets available as needed, no questions asked. Tickets are on sale now at col.leadershipeveryone.org.

Nominees

INDIVIDUALS

Arts & Culture

• Carol Dallinger

• Dick Engbers

• Dr. Leanne Hampton

• Sean Stone

Community & Neighborhood

• Olivia Alston

• Danny Barr

• Catie Catanese

• Cynthia Chester

• Leonard Collins

• Dr. Dan Diehl

• Jessica Ellis

• Markanthony Garcia

• Neal Hagan

• Susan Harp

• Terri Hartweck

• Joel Hopper

• Kyra Hoss

• Tommy Housman

• Cherri Johnson

• Jessica Knapp

• Eliza Kumapley

• Lynn Kyle

• Kelly Lanham

• Christine Leraris

• Dr. Austin Maxheimer

• Sr. Jane Michelle McClure

• Ashlyn McKee

• Tom Moore

• Jasmine Mouncil

• Kristie Randolph

• Gloria Schwartz-Mazo

• Amy Jo Sheeley

• Eric Tillman

Education

• Jamie Bandy

• Brian Bobbitt

• Rick Cameron

• Rebecca Coomer

• NaShayra Dilworth

• Niti Moore

• Sandra Moore

• Laura Nordine

• Brittney Welch

Government, Public Service, & Environment

• Abby Baumgart

• Payton Broshears

• Danielle Crook

• Emily Earhart

• Salah ElSadi

• Rian Kisner

• Tony Knight

• Ariah Leary

• Lieutenant Erik Nilssen

• Luke Nordine

• Christopher Norrick

• Chaze Patrick

• Chris Pugh

• Elizabeth Stuckey

Health & Social Services

• Jessica Beaven

• Nicole Brauser

• Brittany Henderson

• Cyndie Kieffer

• LaRissa Madison

• Keesha Medley

• Molly Mendenhall

• Lisa Myer

• Collette Smith

• Dr. Lois Welden

• Savannah Whicker

• Dr. Julie Wohrley

PROJECTS & PROGRAMS

Arts & Culture

• Children’s Center for Dance Education’s “The Children’s Nutcracker” Sensory Friendly Performance

• Never Forget, Never Again—Irene Rechnic Holocaust Story

• UE Dance Company’s Silver Aces

• University of Evansville Theatre’s Rogue and Peasant Aces Community Tour of MACBETH, by William Shakespeare

• Keep Rolling

Community & Neighborhood

• AstraZeneca Vitalize

• Avery’s Place

• Book Buddies

• ChangeLab in the EPN

• e is for everyone – Belong Here

• E3 Initiative

• Flavor Lab

• Foodie Friends Community Garden

• Garvin Park Activity Zone

• Jacobsville Bus Shelters Volunteer Effort

• Kyle L. Parker Memorial Scholarship Board of Directors

• Mexican Mobile Consulate

• MTV Neighborhood Garden

• The Newburgh Neighbors Program by Historic Newburgh, Inc.

• Posey County Ramp Team

• Presidents Neighborhood Association Food Insecurity Initiative

Education

• Baby Explorer Bundles

• EVSC IREAD Tutoring Program

• Gentleman’s Academy

• Gibson County CEO

• Helfrich Park STEM Academy Land Between the Lakes

• JA Evansville Regional Business Hall of Fame

• Junior Achievement JobSpark

• Marrs – AstraZeneca Community Collaboration

• New Tech High School STEM Fest

Government, Public Service, & Environment

• EVPL Historical Programming

• Vanderburgh County CISMA

• VHS Help for Heroes

Health & Social Services

• Granted House of Hope

• Henderson County Homeless Coalition & Daniel Pitino Shelter Partnership in Henderson County

• Karen’s Wig Shop by Chemo Buddies

• Pastimes: A Publication for Older Adults

• Ronald McDonald Care Mobile

• Suicide Prevention Coalition of Southern Indiana

• Vanderburgh County Health Department Condom Distribution Program

• VHS Margie’s Pet Food Pantry

BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS

Arts & Culture

• Bosse Instrumental Boosters, Inc.

• Children’s Center for Dance Education

• Ohio Valley Art League (OVAL)

• The School of Ballet Indiana

• Victory International Film Festival

Community & Neighborhood

• American Legion Newburgh Auxiliary Unit #44

• Bedford Collab

• Community Action Program of Evansville (CAPE)

• The Cox Group

• GOAT Escape Rooms

• Hair by Kyra Hoss

• Henderson KY Pride Inc

• Pet Partners of the Tri-State

• The Salon Professional Academy

• Tillman Bros Lawn Care

• Young and Established

Education

• AstraZeneca’s STEM in the Community

• SABIC/MVHS Internship Program

• Signature School

Government, Public Service, & Environment

• New Harmony Native Trees and Shrubs

• Newburgh Chemical Fire Response

• Retired Veteran Memorial Club

• Society for Advancement of Fatality Elimination on Roads (SAFER)

Health & Social Services

• Easterseals Rehabilitation Center

• ECHO Housing & Community Development

• Matthew 25 AIDS Services, Inc.

• Mustang Adoption Academy & Mustangs of Service Veterans Program

• Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley

• Southwest Indiana Recovery & Empowerment (SWIRE)

 Reitz Memorial High School and the Memorial Athletic Department proudly announce that the Reitz Memorial High School Football Team has been named the 2025–26 Indiana Class 3A Academic Excellence Award recipient by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame. This marks the second consecutive year the Tigers have earned this prestigious statewide honor.

The National Football Foundation National High School Academic Excellence Awards recognize football programs that demonstrate exceptional achievement in the classroom while competing at a high level on the field. Teams must maintain a minimum cumulative team GPA of 3.0, underscoring a commitment to academic discipline, leadership, and character.

“This recognition speaks volumes about the culture of our football program,” said Coach John Hurley.

“Our student-athletes take pride in their work in the classroom, and this award reflects the accountability, discipline, and support they receive from our coaches, teachers, and families.

Reitz Memorial Director of Athletics added, “To earn this honor for the second straight year is a tremendous accomplishment. It reinforces our belief that success at Memorial is defined by excellence in all areas — academics, athletics, faith, and service.”

In addition to Reitz Memorial’s achievement, Indianapolis Cathedral High School — a fellow Holy Cross partner school — was also recognized by the National Football Foundation at the Class 6A level this year, further highlighting the shared commitment to academic excellence within Holy Cross education.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2026) — A bill authored by State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) to increase notification requirements for crime victims prior to the release of a violent felon was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

O’Brien authored House Bill 1250 after Evansville real estate agent Susan Haynie was killed last fall by a serious violent offender who was released from prison just six months earlier. The legislation is aimed at strengthening protections for victims of violent crime through enhanced notification requirements upon release of a violent felon.

“Susan was a cherished community builder and a friend to many,” O’Brien said. “Hoosier Hospitality is nothing new, we aid our neighbors when something tragic occurs. The outpour of support comes as no shock to me or anyone else who knew Susan and understands the positivity and friendship she fostered in our community.”

On Tuesday, the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners voted to pass a resolution urging their support for the bill. Additionally, a change.org petition supporting HB 1250 garnered more than 2,000 signatures in just over a week.

O’Brien said that he worked closely with Haynie’s family while crafting this legislation. They joined forces with a group of the perpetrator’s other victims to form the Susan Haynie Committee, advocating for stronger public safety measures and improved victim notification across Indiana.

The bill would require the Indiana Department of Correction to notify law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney of the county or community where they’re releasing a serious violent felon as well as the same authorities of where their crime was committed at least seven days before the release. A court and prosecuting attorney would then notify any victims through Indiana’s Statewide Automated Victim Information & Notification(SAVIN) program of the felon’s release.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. To learn more about HB 1250 and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.

Attorney General Todd Rokita’s Office provides the Parents’ Bill of Rights and Eyes on Education portal to empower Hoosier families.

National School Choice Week (January 25–31) is an ideal time for parents to reflect on their rights and responsibilities in directing their children’s education, Attorney General Todd Rokita said today.

“When parents aren’t in control of their children’s education, bureaucrats and ideologues step in to fill the void — indoctrinating our kids with divisive ideologies instead of teaching core fundamentals,” Attorney General Rokita said. “That’s just one reason school choice is essential: it empowers Hoosier parents to select the best path — public, charter, private, faith-based or homeschool, ensuring education aligns with family values rather than one-size-fits-all government mandates.”

To support parents navigating K-12 education, the Attorney General’s Office first released the Parents’ Bill of Rights in 2021. Now in its fourth edition, this comprehensive guide covers key areas such as curriculum transparency, medical decision-making, school choice and religious liberty.

Additionally, in February 2024, Attorney General Rokita launched the Eyes on Education portal, an online tool for parents, teachers and citizens to report concerning classroom materials or curricula. Attorney General Rokita invites Hoosiers to visit the Eyes on Education portal and submit any materials that raise concerns.

“Here in Indiana, we are blessed to have many great schools and outstanding teachers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “But we are not immune from the troubling trend nationwide of left-wing indoctrination creeping into our kids’ classrooms. We must remain vigilant and fight back when necessary. And we must exercise our rights to choose where our kids get their schooling in the first place.”

Both the Parents’ Bill of Rights and the  Eyes on Education portal are available at the Attorney General’s website.