STATEHOUSE (Aug. 12, 2025) – State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) recently honored long-time shop teacher and business owner Walt Brown with the Circle of Corydon Award.
In 1973, Brown started WB Automotive and later began teaching automotive classes at Rensselaer Central High School, where he taught for over 30 years before retiring at the end of the school year. In honor of his long-time commitment, he was named the Grand Marshal for last year's Rensselaer Central High School Homecoming.
"Walt has given so much to the Rensselaer community and to the growth and development of our youth," Culp said. "With this award, we thank him for his commitment and celebrate the legacy that he will leave."
In addition to teaching and owning a business, Brown founded JC Cruisers, a local classic car club responsible for the JC Cruiser Annual Car Show and Cruise Night in downtown Rensselaer. This year marks 40 years for the event.
The Circle of Corydon Award was established by the governor in 2017 to recognize Hoosiers who have made remarkable contributions to the betterment of Indiana and its people, demonstrating through life and service qualities exemplified by the state’s greatest citizens. This is the only award issued and signed jointly by members of both the executive and legislative branches.
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State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) (left) presents a Circle of Corydon Award honoring long-time shop teacher and business owner Walt Brown (right) on Friday, June 27, 2025. Brown taught automotive classes at Rensselaer Central High School for more than 30 years and retired at the end of this school year.
