STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2022) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) on Wednesday presented a Sagamore of the Wabash award to local author Lisa Fipps, whose debut novel "Starfish" has been nationally recognized.
Karickhoff said "Starfish," released last year, was chosen as a Junior Literary Guild selection, featured as an Indie Top Ten and highlighted as an editor’s Best Books of the Month pick on Amazon. Starfish tells the story of Ellie, who is trying to find her place in the world despite constant bullying about her weight.
"Lisa has gone above and beyond in her role at the Kokomo Howard-County Public Library, and her work as an author continues to not only impact our community, but anyone around the world who reads her work," Karickhoff said. "This award is a reflection of her commitment and the influence she's had on young readers and families in Howard County and across the state."
Karickhoff said Fipps graduated from Ball State, began her career in journalism and is now the director of marketing at the Kokomo Howard-County Public Library. In her position at KHCPL, Fipps launched the library’s annual Rudolph Family Fun Run, and in 2013 she led an interactive, gnome-themed summer effort for which she won the Indiana Library Federation’s 2014 Sara Laughlin Marketing Award.
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. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30, which includes
portions of Grant and Howard counties.
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PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) presents a Sagamore of the Wabash Award to Kokomo native and local author Lisa Fipps on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at the Kokomo Chamber of Commerce's 2022 Woman’s Business Council Leadership Conference. Fipps was honored for her impact at Kokomo Howard-County Public Library and for her novel "Starfish," which has been nationally recognized.
