Lt. Governor Ellspermann and Dr. Wernert Announce 2015 Golden Hoosier Awards

Highest Honor Bestowed upon Senior Citizens by the State of Indiana 

INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann was joined at the Indiana Statehouse this afternoon by Dr. John Wernert, Secretary of Indiana Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) and Yonda Snyder, Director of the FSSA’s Division of Aging, to announce and honor recipients of the 2015 Golden Hoosier Awards.

The award, which began in 2008, annually honors a group of outstanding Hoosier senior citizens for their lifetime of service and commitment to their communities. The award is considered one of the highest honors given by the State of Indiana to senior citizens.

“It is my honor to recognize this group of outstanding Senior Hoosiers who are impacting their communities each day,” said Lt. Governor Ellspermann. “They represent the true Hoosier spirit of lifelong service and dedication to making a difference in the lives of many people.”

Given annually, eligibility criteria for the Golden Hoosier Awards includes being a current Indiana resident, aged 65 or older and been a volunteer in the community for at least the past three years.

2015 Golden Hoosiers Awards (Name, City):

• Evelyn Adams, Tobinsport
• Dr. Shahid Athar, Zionsville
• Betty Blakely, Franklin
• Rosa Lee Brown, Indianapolis
• Fredette Cash, Hagerstown
• David Chnupa, Portage
• Bonita  Dunbar, Akron
• Wade Eaglin, North Vernon
• Loren Grahek, Floyds Knobs
• Bonnie Kane, Greenwood
• Corona Lewis, Carmel
• Floran Mast, Elkhart
• Norman Melhiser, New Albany
• Anna Seaton, Terre Haute
• Jesse Shively, Franklin
• Frances Stauffer, Indianapolis
• Rita Sullivan, Vevay
• Steve Talley, Indianapolis
• Sarann Weeks, Paoli

Media Contact:
Dennis Rosebrough