Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville), on behalf of Governor Mitch Daniels, honored Susan Harp as a Distinguished Hoosier during an award presentation this afternoon at Dexter Elementary School in Evansville. The Distinguished Hoosier award is one of the highest awards given to an Indiana resident. The award recipients must be nominated by a member of the Indiana General Assembly. Susan Harp has been a kindergarten teacher at Dexter Elementary for 30 years. She is well known for authoring a children's book, Retrieving with Evie. The story is based on her golden retriever, whom she taught to pick up litter along the street. Her book received first place in the nation by Keep America Beautiful, a litter prevention nonprofit. Harp is no stranger to awards and accolades. She is the recipient of the Bish Thompson Memorial Award for excellence in helping children. Harp was also awarded the National Federation of Republican Women's "My Favorite Teacher" for the state of Indiana. "Susan Harp is a wonderful asset to the Evansville community," Rep. Crouch said. "What is most impressive about Susan is that her passion for making the world a better place goes beyond the classroom and into the community." Harp is the founder and president of the Oak Hill Neighborhood Association. She is also the captain of the Oak Hill Community Emergency Response Team. Harp is a Red Cross Hero Group Award winner, and also received the Mayor of Evansville's Good Neighbor Award. "It was an honor to nominate and award Susan Harp as such an outstanding teacher and citizen." Rep. Crouch said. "Harp is more than deserving of the Distinguished Hoosier Award." |
