Moed presents Sagamore of the Wabash to IPS President Diane Arnold

STATEHOUSE – Diane Arnold, president of the Indianapolis Public Schools Board of Education, joined the list of distinguished Hoosiers receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash when State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) presented her with one of the state’s highest awards at a ceremony.

“Diane has been a tireless community activist and a true servant leader, and I cannot imagine anyone more qualified to become a part of the honor roll for Sagamores of the Wabash,” Moed said.

The award, bestowed by Gov. Mike Pence, is considered among the greatest honors to come from our state’s chief executive.

It is a personal tribute given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to Indiana and its people. Among those who have received Sagamores are astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to the Hoosier heritage.

“To say that Diane has been devoted to her community is an understatement in every sense of that term,” Moed said in presenting the award.

“We can begin with talking about her service on the IPS board,” he continued. “Since becoming a member in 2006, Diane has earned a reputation as a problem solver who always keeps her focus on what is best for the students.

“We can then turn to her 45 years with the Hawthorne Community Center on the near west side of Indianapolis,” Moed said. “During that time—the last 25 years of which she has served as the center’s executive director—she has been a driving force in making sure the center is a positive influence on the lives of those who walk through its doors.”

Moed noted that Arnold’s involvement in the Hawthorne area extends to her service on the Hawthorne Neighborhood Association, the Near-West Collaborative Steering Committee, and the George Washington Community High School Advisory Board.

“Her unwavering, steadfast commitment to making each day better for her neighborhood has been reflected in numerous awards she has received through the years, including the Youth Investment Award from the Indiana Youth Institute and being listed among the Top 20 Neighborhood Visionaries in 2012,” Moed said.

“Diane Arnold is one of those selfless people who is devoted to improving the lives of everyone around them,” Moed concluded. “She is the type of person who deserves to be recognized as being among the finest this state has to offer.”