Pratt receives Sagamore of the Wabash award

Oct. 21—GREENSBURG — On behalf of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, state Senator Jean Leising and retired state Representative Cleo Duncan presented Greensburg Community High School history teacher John Pratt with a Sagamore of the Wabash award Wednesday at Greensburg Community High School.

The Sagamore is one of the highest honors the governor can bestow on individuals, and each governor issues only a very limited number each year. At his judgement and discretion, the governor presents the award to those who have gone above and beyond in an extraordinary manner for their community or for the state.

After leading the school in the Pledge of Allegiance over the intercom system, Leising called Pratt a community leader for organizing 27 Chautauqua events during his teaching career.

“This award is for Mr. Pratt’s dedication to the community and for the many volunteer hours he’s spent doing things for his community,” Leising said.

Leising said she requested the award from Gov. Holcomb and that it carries with it a high degree of prestige in Indiana.

According to www.in.gov, The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates, who served from 1945 to 1949.

Gates was to attend a tri-state meeting in Louisville with officials from Ohio and Kentucky when he learned that the governor of Kentucky presented valiant Kentucky residents with a Kentucky Colonel certificate. So, Gates decided that Indiana should have an appropriate award to present as well.

The term sagamore was used by the American Indian tribes of the northeastern United States to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice.

Those who have received Sagamores include astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to Hoosier heritage. The honor has been conferred upon both men and women.

There is no record of the total number which have been presented, as each governor keeps his own roll just as each has reserved the right to personally select Sagamore recipients.

“I couldn’t have done it without the amazing people here, so thank you,” Pratt said upon being presented his award.

Contact Bill Rethlake at 812-651-0876 or email bill.rethlake@greensburgdailynews.com