Rep. Vernon Smith receives Sagamore of the Wabash award

Chicago Tribune

2 days ago

For Rep. Vernon Smith, receiving a state award was surprising but still rewarding.
'It's one of the highest awards that you can receive from the governor's office,' said Smith, D-Gary. 'I was absolutely exhilarated to be the recipient.'
Smith recently received the Sagamore of the Wabash award, which is the highest honor an Indiana governor can give, according to the governor's office. Smith received the award at a dinner celebrating his recent retirement from Indiana University Northwest, he said.
The state representative worked in education in Gary for nearly 60 years, he said, and as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Gary Community School Corporation from 1966 to 1992.
Smith became a member of the Indiana House of Representatives in 1990, according to the Indiana House Democratic Caucus' website. Before his time at the statehouse, Smith served on the Gary Common Council, starting in 1972.
At the statehouse, Smith serves as ranking minority member of the Indiana House Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee.
According to the governor's website, former Gov. Ralph Gates created the Sagamore of the Wabash award during his 1945-1949 term. 'Sagamore' is a Native American term that means a subordinate chief or someone a chief would look to for advice, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Since Gates, each Indiana governor presented the award to various Hoosiers, but the total number of recipients is unknown, according to the governor's website.
'I appreciate the award,' Smith said. 'I had a chance to serve with (Gov. Mike Braun) for four years in the House. But, this shows he has respected my tenure, both as an educator and as a public servant. It felt really good that he chose me.'
Braun's office did not respond to a request for comment about the award.
In a Thursday statement, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton congratulated Smith on receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash. He said the city is proud to call Smith one of their own.
Melton and Smith worked together at the Indiana Statehouse while Melton served as state senator.
Melton said the two worked to advance legislation that broadened outreach for the state's 21st Century Scholars program. They also collaborated on a House bill to reestablish an elected school board in Gary and a Senate bill to restore local control to the Gary Community School Corporation.
'These victories and honors show what's possible when leaders put the community at the center of every decision and highlight the lasting impact Rep. Smith has made on countless lives through his advocacy, mentorship, and leadership,' Melton said in his statement. 'His voice for education and economic opportunity has guided Gary through moments of challenge and transformation to secure vital resources and hope for our future.'
The Gary Common Council recognized Smith for his service to local education and as state senator at its Tuesday meeting. Council members also congratulated Smith for receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash.
'We are so proud of you,' said Councilwoman Mary Brown, D-3rd.
Brown said Tuesday that she's known Smith and his family for years, and it's made her proud to watch him progress as an educator and politician. Brown read a proclamation that recognized Smith for his service to the city during Tuesday's council meeting.
Other council members recalled times that Smith mentored them throughout their political careers. Councilman Kenneth Whisenton, D-at large, recalled a summer he spent interning at the Indiana statehouse, where he told Smith he would never get involved with politics, and it 'broke (Smith's) heart.'
Whisenton was elected to the council in late 2024, after state Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, resigned.
'I called you several months ago, and I said, 'Doc, I think God is talking to me and telling me to get involved with city politics,'' Whisenton said. 'I said, 'I don't know what to make of it.' The first thing he said was, 'Do it. Run.''
Whisenton said he wouldn't be on council without Smith, and he's thankful to have him in his life.
Councilman Darren Washington, D-at large, also said Smith played a large role in his political career. He recognized Smith for the work that he's done to help young Black males in Gary and throughout the state.
'I've learned so much from you,' Washington said. 'I'm thankful you've been part of my life.'
Smith is grateful he's had an opportunity to impact various lives in Gary, both as an educator and state senator. He wasn't expecting to receive the Sagamore of the Wabash, and he said it's been great to receive the recognition.
'I've had the chance to impact the lives of so many young people from kindergarten through graduate school,' Smith said. 'I'm not the kind of person that's looking for praise … I try to be as humble as I can while serving God's people.'