It’s that time of year when a television left on for white noise will eventually play the Frank Capra classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” That 1946 Christmas drama centers on George Bailey, a pillar of his community given the chance to see how much his life has meant to others, in ways oft unnoticed.
Pat Koch of Santa Claus may not have gone on a magical journey through the past with a bumbling angel, but her Friday schedule might have felt like it at times. She is the 2022 recipient of the Sachem Award, the highest honor in the state, and a cavalcade of characters from her long life were on hand for the occasion. Koch was presented with the award in a special ceremony Friday at Heritage Hills High School.
After a rousing performance by the school choir and being feted by everyone from former employees and colleagues to Gov. Eric Holcomb himself, via a collage of testimonies about as long as a feature-length film, Koch probably felt a kinship with James Stewart’s iconic character.
The full story can be seen in this week’s edition of the Spencer County Leader!
Photos by Sierra Bruggeman
