Hamilton Center, Inc. hosted its annual Hamilton Awards Dinner on Tuesday, October 28, at 6:00 p.m. at Sycamore Banquet Center on the campus of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. More than 300 staff members, community partners, and referring organizations gathered for an evening of dinner and celebration honoring this year’s Hamilton Award nominees.
The theme for the event, “Every Person, Every Journey: Strength in Every Story,” reflects Hamilton Center’s commitment to honoring the individuality of every person served and the unique path each takes toward wellness and recovery. The theme recognizes that every experience contributes to a larger story of strength, resilience, and hope, values that are deeply rooted in Hamilton Center’s mission.
“Every person has a journey to share, we are here to listen,” said Chelsea Wells, Director of Communications at Hamilton Center, Inc. “The strength, perseverance, and triumphs we observe every day offer our staff both the privilege and the pleasure of doing this important work.”
Hamilton Awards were also presented. Named in her honor, Katherine Hamilton fought for the inclusion, acceptance, and support of those struggling with mental illness in the early 1960’s. She emphasized the importance of community in her life’s work. In this spirit, Hamilton Center awards were created to recognize individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to the cause of mental health and addiction while furthering the mission of Hamilton Center, Inc. in the community. All nominees were recognized, and winners included:
Volunteer winner: William Browne, School Resource Officer Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation: William is deeply dedicated to the students and adults he serves at the Spencer-Owen School Corporation. He developed the Hope Squad, a peer-nominated program in which students are trained by school staff to serve as trusted individuals who can connect peers in distress with mental health resources. He also created the CARE Program, designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and individuals in recovery through community events and outreach activities. In addition, William helped reinstate the DARE Program, which educates students about the dangers of drug use and equips them with the skills to make safe, responsible choices. To date, more than 250 students in Owen County have successfully completed the program, fostering mental health awareness, drug prevention, and community connection.
Community winner: St. Patrick’s Soup Kitchen: Supporting the Vigo County Community for over 40 years, St. Patrick’s Soup Kitchen has worked to assist those with food insecurities by providing quality food serves to those in need. At any given time, you will see over 30 volunteers handing out meals to community members from all walks of life. Approximately 100-150 individuals are served each day with over 6800 sack lunches distributed in August of this year. Volunteers there are flexible, welcoming and extremely kind. There is no judgement present, and volunteers serve quality food until the last person is fed.
Youth winner: Rylee Long, Project REACH of Northview Highschool in Clay County: What started as an idea in a notebook, has now grown into a mission to fill gaps, meet needs and let students know their community is behind them. Rylee Long developed the non-profit, Project REACH, from a simple but powerful belief that every child deserves to feel seen, supported and set up for success. Project REACH focuses not only on providing resources but also creating a movement of compassion in schools. Students walk in knowing that someone cares and is there to help.
Staff winners:
Chloe Mckinney, Outreach Mentor, Hamilton Center, Inc.: The Hamilton Center Community Closet was born from seeing firsthand that many of the students that Hamilton Center staff mentor are in need of clean and fashionable clothes for school. She recognized a need and acted – Not because she was asked to do so, but because she is a compassionate leader. The Community Closet has provided clothing not only for students in school but just this year the program distributed clothing to 500 children at the We Live event.
Daejen Hatfield, CCBHC Crisis Diversion Specialist, Hamilton Center, Inc.: Daejen serves consumers with compassion, giving them encouragement and hope through very difficult circumstances. Dedicated to serving every consumer, has assisted consumers with navigating the health insurance process and linking them to mental health services and community resources. Daejen serves with kindness and compassion with an attunement to understanding and working with the late Millennial and Gen Z populations.
Lastly, the Hamilton Center presented two special recognitions.
The Frank W. Jerse Award is presented annually to a community member who is a veteran or who has made significant contributions to advancing education in central and west central Indiana. The award honors Dr. Frank W. Jerse, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient who earned his doctorate in psychology and devoted much of his career to furthering post-secondary education at Indiana State University. Dr. Jerse also played a vital role in the development of Hamilton Center, Inc.
This year’s Frank W. Jerse Award was presented to Charles Brown, whose more than three decades of service to Indiana State University left a legacy of mentorship and inclusion. As the longtime director of ISU’s Cultural Center, now named in his honor, Brown served not only as an administrator, but also as a mentor, second parent, and spiritual leader to countless students. Under his guidance, the Cultural Center grew from a small operation into a vibrant social and educational hub serving hundreds of African American students each year. Former ISU President Dan Bradley once remarked, “The Center and its programs and services is literally the house that Charlie built.” Through his leadership and compassion, Brown has positively influenced the lives of thousands of students, many of them first-generation college graduates, and has dedicated his life to service to others.
The second special recognition of the evening, the John Plasse Award, was presented in memory of Sheriff John Plasse, a true community servant. Sheriff Plasse dedicated more than 33 years to law enforcement in Vigo County, serving both as Police Chief and later as Sheriff. He also devoted over three decades to military service, retiring as a Sergeant Major with the 38th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard. Throughout his career, Sheriff Plasse exemplified leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the public and bettering his community. He was also a valued member of the Hamilton Center Board of Directors, generously giving his time to support the organization’s mission.
The 2025 John Plasse Award was presented to Sergeant Ryan Plasse, the Sheriff’s son, a fitting recipient of this inaugural honor. Sergeant Plasse has served with the Terre Haute Police Department for 13 years, holding positions as patrolman, detective, and most recently, sergeant. In addition to his leadership role, he serves as a field training officer, sniper, and entry breacher for the department’s Special Response Team, and is a dedicated member of the Honor Guard. Over the course of his career, Sergeant Plasse has received numerous commendations, including the Life Saving Award, Good Conduct Medal, Unit Citation, Education Medal, Honorable Service Award, Grand Cordon, and a Certificate of Commendation. His dedication, professionalism, and service to others reflect the same values that defined his father’s legacy.
