On Dec. 15, 2009, Governor Mitch Daniels and the Indiana Humanities Council presented 12 young Hoosiers with the Governor’s Awards for Tomorrow’s Leaders at the Indiana State House. The 2009 award program was supported by Vectren Corporation.

This award is a prestigious, statewide program designed to recognize and honor a diverse group of outstanding young leaders from across Indiana. Established in 2003, the award honors Hoosiers ages 19 to 29 who strive for and attain excellence as entrepreneurial leaders, volunteers and scholars.

The 2009 recipients are: Mari Yamaguchi, Robert Gough, Jennifer L. Danic, and Alane B. Summers, all from Indianapolis; Samuel C. Bowles, Marengo; Kylie A. Peppler, Bloomington; Kyle E. Hultgren, Fishers; Jaime Faulkner, Muncie; Esmeralda Cruz, Frankfort; Tonja A.G. Couch, Seymour; Stephanie A. Roberts, Evansville; and Christopher Beltran, West Lafayette.

Each recipient was given a $1,000 award to be used as a scholarship for the recipient or a donation to one or two charities of the recipient's choice.

Back row from left:  Jury Member Dr. Michael Twyman, Esmeralda Cruz, Christopher Beltran, Tonia A. G. Couch, Kyle E. Hultgren, Mari Yamaguchi, Alane B. Summers, Stephanie Roberts, and Jury Member and 2008 recipient David Allison.

Front row from left:  Indiana Humanities President Keira Amstutz, Jury Member Carl Chapman, Kylie A. Peppler, Gov. Mitch Daniels, Jaime Faulkner, Jennifer L. Danic, Samuel C. Bowles, and Robert Gough.

Click here to view previous winners.