Page 64 - 2022-23 Annual Report

A W ARD WINNERS A W ARD WINNERS

DISTINGUISHED MEDIA THE RICHARD G. LUGAR AWARD Prior to joining the Pacers, Morris led the
SERVICE AWARD world’s largest humanitarian agency as the
Named after the late U.S. Senator Richard United Nations World Food Programme
The Association recognizes those Fred Inniger Lugar, The Lugar Award is a prestigious executive director from 2002 to 2007. As
individuals who promote and serve WAWK The Hawk; Kendallville acknowledgment within the IHSAA the UN’s Special Envoy for Southern Africa,
Indiana education-based athletics through District 1 community. It is awarded annually to Morris led an effort to bring humanitarian aid
the media. Since 1984-85, the IHSAA individuals who have given a lifetime of to more than 15 million people. Morris has
has presented the Distinguished Media Rob Brown distinguished service to high school education received 16 honorary degrees from various
Service Award to a recipient in each of its Roncalli Media Network; Indianapolis and interscholastic athletics in Indiana. institutions, holds the title of Eagle Scout, has
three legislative districts. The award is District 2 This year’s recipient is Jim Morris. received the Silver Buffalo Award, and has
presented annually to a media professional served in high-up roles for many educational,
who has made a positive contribution and Justin Sokeland Morris is Vice Chairman of Pacers Sports philanthropic, and internationally known
demonstrated dedicated service to the WBIW.com, BNLathletics.com; Bedford and Entertainment and was instrumental organizations. He currently serves as the
high school sports program in Indiana. District 3 in his organization’s partnership with the United States permanent representative to the
IHSAA. He has spent much of his life in Executive Board of UNICEF. Upon awarding
Indianapolis and has had an incredible impact Morris with the Sachem Award—Indiana’s
on the city. He serves as chair of the board highest honor—Governor Holcomb noted
for the Indianapolis-based Riley Children’s that “…Jim is ‘far-sighted,’ as in, he sees and
Foundation and for 16 years was president of seeks a better and brighter future for all his
the Lilly Endowment. In addition to being a neighbors, and he excels at bringing people
leader in Indiana and its capital city, he is also together to accomplish a common goal,
recognized as a national and global leader in for the common good, and often achieving
the corporate, civic, and non-profit sectors. uncommon results, like no one I’ve ever met.”

Earl Smith Jr. (third from right) receives the Ray Crowe Excellence in Leadership Award from the IHSAA
Executive Staff.

THE RAY CROWE EXCELLENCE Smith Jr. is a graduate of Gary Roosevelt.
IN LEADERSHIP AWARD He set an IHSAA long jump record and is
a two-time State Track & Field champion.
This award honors those who reflect the Smith Jr. served the Gary school community
moral character example set by IHSAA for over 50 years as a coach and an athletic
legend Ray Crowe—a coach, educator, and director. A member of the Indiana Basketball
school administrator. Recipients exemplify Hall of Fame, he was the first Black head coach
the highest standards of sportsmanship at Froebel, Emerson, and Lew Wallace high
and ethical conduct through civic schools. He has over 323 wins and has twice
contributions and community impact. coached his teams to the state’s “Elite Eight.”
The Association recognizes Earl Smith Jr.
as the 2022-23 recipient of this award. Jim Morris (center), Vice Chairman of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, receives the Richard G. Lugar
Award from Governor Eric Holcomb at the Class 4A Boys Basketball State Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

64 INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL A THLETIC A S SOCIA TION ANNUAL REPORT 2023 INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL A THLETIC A S SOCIA TION ANNUAL REPORT 2023 65