Locals honored with Sagamores
Receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash award in Indiana is among the highest honors that can be awarded to Hoosiers; two community members in Spencer got to experience when they were handpicked earlier this year.
Gov. Eric Holcomb bestowed the recognition to people throughout the state before the transition of power to Gov. Mike Braun. Anton Neff and Stefan Welsh have both had an impact on their state and community and were among the group of Holcomb's recipients in January.
According to the State of Indiana, the name of the award comes from a term Native American tribes in the northeastern region of the U.S. used to describe "a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for 'wisdom and advice.'"
Neff was recognized for his accomplishments as a member of the Owen County Council representing District 2 and Welsh for his work as director of digital communications for Holcomb.
"Receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash is an incredible honor and a deeply humbling moment for me," Welsh said. "It represents not just recognition for the work I've done but also a reflection of the team I've been fortunate to work alongside."
Neff had just woken up when he received the news in an email. He said he had to reread it a couple of times.
"They were informing me that I was going to be a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash and that it would be the last group of them that Gov. Holcomb was going to be awarding," Neff said. "So the right there was a big surprise, a good way to start the morning."
Those awarded with the Sagamore of the Wabash are unique as every active governor has their own set of criteria and recognize Hoosiers for their dedication at their own discretion, but anyone can be nominated.
To be recognized this way by Gov. Holcomb is something I never expected. I've always believed in doing the work because it matters, and I felt lucky to have had the chance to do it," Welsh said.
"I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the team I was part of and the good we did for Hoosiers."
While recognition for their efforts to make an impact feels good, Welsh said he hopes his work shows that leadership isn't about titles and awards.
"It's about service, persistence and the willingness to step up when there's a need. Whether it's through public service, community engagement or helping a stranger, I want folks to see that real change happens when you combine vision with action," Welsh said.
Neff has a similar view on the overarching purpose of getting involved and making a lasting impact in his community. Based on his experience, he knows the importance of consistency in the next generation of leaders.
"You have to roll up your sleeves and produce something, make a contribution and find something you're interested in that makes a big difference," Neff said.
"If it's a subject that you know you may have personal interest in, or something that's unique that you want to learn more about or do more with, that's probably a good starting point."
Neff recently got his award back from being framed and hung it on the wall to serve as a reminder of his impact and a motivator to continue his work.
He hopes that he can show those who will strive to become leaders that committing to make an impact is worth their time, with or without feedback.
"Everything's so fragmented these days. There's so many different sources of information and things. If people do things differently, interact differently, and so it's very tough to see a clear end point," Neff said.
"Today's leaders need to do more to encourage and reckon and support the next group of leaders."
Welsh said some of the most meaningful projects he's been a part of have come from asking, "How can we help?" He said people who authentically engage with their communities will always be the ones who leave a lasting impact.
"This recognition isn't just about one person — it's about a collective effort to make Indiana a better place," Welsh said.
"I look forward to continuing that work and finding new ways to contribute to the future of our state."
