Quite a legacy
One measure of a person’s accomplishments is the legacy they leave behind. Former Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. member Mindy Lewis left an impressive one.
Lewis, who died June 9 at age 65, worked in director roles for Cummins Inc. but made a significant contribution locally in education. She was the first African American to serve on the school board, including in the role of president. She promoted diversity within the community and played a key role in making Martin Luther King Jr. Day an out-of-school holiday dedicated to community service.
Lewis also played key roles in bringing project-based learning to BCSC with Columbus Signature Academy – New Tech High School, and the building of the new Central Middle School.
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It also says something about a person when an award is named on their behalf. The Mindy Lewis Above and Beyond Diversity Award has been presented since 2005 to school district employees whose contributions exceed expectations for improving teaching and learning for marginalized or under-represented students.
Lewis had a desire to help the Columbus community and dedicated herself to making a positive contribution. Her efforts benefited the community and set a good example for others to follow.
Notable achievement
It’s always notable for the community when a Bartholomew County resident is selected to lead a state organization. To do so is a big responsibility, but it also reflects positively on the community in terms of its residents.
Columbus’ Anne Moore was installed on June 4 as the new president of the Indiana Extension Homemakers Association, an organization whose mission is to strengthen families. She’s the first Bartholomew County resident to lead the association since 1959. So far she’s off to a good start with initiatives aimed at attracting younger members, and an awareness campaign that focuses on literacy, opioid abuse, volunteerism and education.
Her one-year term leading the organization will be busy, for sure, but for someone who has been a local Homemakers club member for about 45 years, Moore seems well suited for the job.
