Local author Lisa Fipps was presented with the Wabash Sagamore Award last month by State Rep. Mike Karickhoff, R-Kokomo.
Fipps’ debut novel “Starfish” received national recognition.
The book, which came out last year, was chosen as a Junior Literary Guild pick, featured as an Independent Top Ten and highlighted as an Amazon Editor’s Pick of the Month. “Starfish” tells the story of Ellie, who tries to find her place in the world despite constant bullying about her weight.
“Lisa has gone above and beyond her role at the Kokomo Howard-County Public Library, and her work as an author continues to impact not only our community, but anyone around the world who reads her work,” Karickhoff said in a statement. “This award is a reflection of her commitment and the influence she has had on young readers and families in Howard County and across the state.”
Fipps graduated from Ball State University, began her career in journalism, and is now the director of marketing at Kokomo Howard-County Public Library. In her position at KHCPL, Fipps started the library’s annual Rudolph Family Fun Run, and in 2013 she led an interactive gnome-themed summer effort for which she won the 2014 Sara Laughlin Marketing Award from the Indiana Library Federation.
Dating back to the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash award was created by former Governor Ralph Gates. It is the highest honor the governor can bestow and is given to distinguished Hoosiers who have made a significant contribution to the state of Indiana.
