STATEHOUSE (Jan. 2, 2023) – State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) recently presented a Sagamore of the Wabash award to local city councilman and former public school teacher George T. Cover.
Culp said Cover dedicated over 50 years to teaching middle school in the Rensselaer Central School Corp., leading students on the annual Washington, D.C., trip for over 30 years. With time spent volunteering and fundraising for students to attend this annual trip, Cover impacted thousands of students throughout the community.
"George is a dedicated public servant who cares deeply for the community, his students and his fellow Hoosiers," Culp said. "I am honored to present him with an award that reflects his impact on our community and young lives."
Cover served on the Rensselaer City Council for 36 years. In that time, he was instrumental in expanding the city limits toward the interstate, extending and upgrading utilities in the city and supported bringing grant dollars to the city to improve streets, and downtown revitalization.
Outside of his public service, he retired from Cover Construction Co., a family business and was owner of the local Dairy Queen franchise.
Dating back to the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash award was created by former Gov. Ralph Gates. It is the highest honor the governor can bestow and is presented to distinguished Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to the state of Indiana.
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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) (right) and Rensselaer Mayor-elect Jeff Phillips (left) present a Sagamore of the Wabash award to retired local educator and longtime city council member George T. Cover (center). Cover taught at Rensselaer Central School Corp. for over 50 years and served on the Rensselaer City Council for 36 years.
