STATEHOUSE (April 1, 2026) – State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) on Wednesday presented a Sagamore of the Wabash to Dr. Ellen Augustine honoring her 52 years of teaching.
Augustine's career started at West Noble High School in Ligonier in 1974, where she taught music for five years before accepting a position as a language arts teacher at Northridge High School in Middlebury in 1979. During her time at Northridge, she's also served as director of the color guard and theatre program.
Augustine has also been involved in community activities including blood drives, Toys for Tots and making blankets for babies. She is the sponsor of the National Honor Society and facilitates the Accelerated College Program, as well as organizes community projects and services such as food and clothing drives with students at Northridge High School.
"Ellen approaches each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to go above and beyond for her community and students," King said. "I want to congratulate Dr. Ellen Augustine on this well-deserved award and on all of her accomplishments. She makes our community a better place and impacts countless lives."
Augustine also organizes and manages groups of students to work in concession booths at Notre Dame football games so they can earn money for school trips that otherwise might not be possible.
She and her husband Bruce have two children and three grandchildren. They are members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bremen, where she plays the organ and directs the adult and bell choirs. Augustine has also held different positions in the Lutheran Women Missionary League.
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. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION 1: State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) (third from left) presents Dr. Ellen Augustine (third from right) with a Sagamore of the Wabash on April 1, 2026, at Northridge High School for her 52 years of teaching. Others pictured are (from left) Eric Augustine, Superintendent Dr. Jayson Snyder, Northridge High School Principal Melissa Whitehead and Bruce Augustine.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) (far right) presents Dr. Ellen Augustine (second from left) with a Sagamore of the Wabash on April 1, 2026, at Northridge High School for her 52 years of teaching. Others pictured are (from left) Eric Augustine and Bruce Augustine.
