Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and Secretary Michael Gargano of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration presented Anne Thompson, from Gary, and Amanda Wilson, Merrillville, with the Golden Hoosier Award. A ceremony, recognizing the 24 Hoosier senior winners, was held at the Normandy Barn on the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  

Thompson and Wilson received the Golden Hoosier Award for their service to the community. Thompson has volunteered for the Drexel Foundation for Excellence since 2003. She helped write the charter for the organization and has volunteered and raised money to build a playground, a science lab, and to send students to study abroad. 

Wilson’s Mission, called Faith Ministries serves three counties, sending volunteers to eleven nursing homes, two independent senior residences, and an assisted living facility. She is also active in her church and counsels men at a Salvation Army recovery residence. 

“Anne and Amanda are a few of the countless Hoosiers who serve our state and the community daily, never asking anything in return,” said Lt. Gov. Skillman. “The individuals we honor today are leading by example and showing us what it means to be a genuine friend and neighbor.”

The Golden Hoosier Award is a collaboration between Lt. Governor Skillman and FSSA that began in 2008. It is considered one of the highest honors given by the state to seniors, and recognizes individuals who have never received a state award before. 

“We are pleased to join Lt. Governor Skillman in recognizing these outstanding senior Hoosiers,” said Michael Gargano, secretary of FSSA. “Their dedication to public service ensures that Indiana will continue to be a great place to live and to work.”

Candidates for the award were nominated by Area Agencies on Aging, such as and local organizations.