Penn Township Board Member Randy Leliaert received quite a surprise at his last Penn-Harris-Madison School Board Meeting tonight (Monday, Dec. 12, 2016). The retiring School Trustee was presented with Indiana’s highest honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash Award.

The Award is presented as a tribute to those who’ve rendered distinguished service to the governor and/or the state of Indiana. Governor Mike Pence chose Leliaert as one of this year’s honorary Hoosiers for his 20 years of service on the Penn-Harris-Madison School Board of Trustees.

Board President Gary Fox has served with Mr. Leliaert for 15 of those 20 years … “Randy has worked tirelessly, contributing his expertise in both business and education, to help make P-H-M a better school district for all students. Defining the District’s mission and governance were among Randy’s top priorities. His focus on continuous improvement and excellence in education supported the District’s goals of helping students reach their fullest academic potential. His insight and dedication will be missed.”

Leliaert, owner/operator of the independent Randy Leliaert Agency for 30 years, was an elementary education graduate of Indiana University and worked as a first grade teacher at P-H-M’s Elsie Rogers Elementary School. He’s been a resident of Osceola and a Penn-Harris-Madison patron since 1973. His two children, Matthew and Elizabeth both attended P-H-M schools and graduated from Penn High School during his time on the Board. Leliaert was first elected to the Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees in 1996. During his tenure, he served as Board Secretary for three years, Vice President for two and President for two. Leliaert also served as Indiana School Boards Association legislative liaison and P-H-M School Board Policy liaison earning the distinction of Master Board Member from the Indiana School Boards Association.

Tonight was Leliaert’s last P-H-M Board meeting. In August, he decided not to run for re-election, opting instead to enjoy his semi-retirement, his children and grandchildren. Leliaert’s wife of 44 years, Karen, and his son Matthew, his grandchildren and business associates were present for tonight’s presentation of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award.

Leliaert will remain active by volunteering for the Osceola Business Association, Osceola Bluegrass Festival Committee and Penn Park Osceola Baseball Softball Association.

Retired P-H-M business education teacher and Penn Girls Golf Coach Jim Garrett will succeed Leliaert as Penn Township Seat 3 Board Member. He was elected in the November 2016 elections. He will be sworn in at the Monday, January 9, 2017 Board Meeting to be held at the P-H-M ESC Administrative Building (55900 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka) at 7:00 p.m.