Gary Rotary Club secretary, Shirley Caylor, recently received the Sagamore of the Wabash award from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. The highest distinction in Indiana is the designation of "Sagamore of the Wabash" by the state governor. The award states that the honoree is "distinguished by his (her) humanity in living, his loyalty in friendship, his wisdom in council, and his inspiration in leadership." It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor.
Shirley was nominated for the award by the Indiana Youth Institute, whose mission is to improve the lives of all Indiana children by strengthening and connecting the people, organizations, and communities that are focused on kids and youth. She was nominated for her outstanding leadership as CEO of the Crisis Center, which provides emergency shelter and counseling for homeless, abused, or neglected youth.
"Sagamore" was a term used by native American tribes of Indiana (and other tribes of the northeastern United States) to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe whom the chief consulted for wisdom and advice. "The Wabash" refers to Indiana's official state river.
Congratulations Shirley. An award long overdue.