STATEHOUSE – State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) is pleased to announce that Dr. Marilyn Skinner, Director of the Center for Early Childhood Education at IU Kokomo, has received a Sagamore of the Wabash award, the most prestigious award given by the Office of Governor Mike Pence. Rep. Karickhoff presented Dr. Skinner with the award during a surprise presentation Wednesday night at the basketball season opener between Kokomo and Western, assisted by the President of the Kokomo Center School Board Joe Dunbar, IU Kokomo Interim Chancellor Sue Sciame-Giesecke and Ivy Tech Kokomo Chancellor Steve Daily. “Through the years, Marilyn has made immeasurable contributions to the lives of her students,” said Rep. Karickhoff. “Her dedication and devotion to the well-being of children and families in Howard County is inspiring. She found ways to mix her love of fun with teaching, reaching students on every level of understanding.” Dr. Skinner taught elementary and junior high classes for 10 years before becoming a Building Level Principal for 10 years. She was a Headstart Education Consultant for two years, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for 15 years and was the Acting Superintendent for several months, all in the Kokomo-Center Township Consolidated School Corporation. She was a founding member of the Howard County Partners in Education Council more than 25 years ago, helping to establish mutually beneficial programs that bring education and business together. Dr. Skinner also took the lead in developing two programs within the Council, Welcome to the Real Word and Living in the Real World, to help students explore potential career options and learn about what life is like after school. She also worked to develop Indiana University’s Early Childhood Center in Kokomo to help programming to give parents the knowledge and tools to help prepare their children for school. “The education system in our community has benefitted greatly over the years due to Marilyn’s experience and commitment. She definitely deserves this recognition, and I look forward to seeing what great ideas she brings to the table next,” Rep. Karickhoff said. -30-
State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) serves on the Ways and Means Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Indiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. Rep. Karickhoff represents portions of Howard and Grant counties, most of the city of Kokomo and the towns of Swayzee and Greentown.
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