INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Columbus senior Paige Alexandra Finke was recently honored at the state level by the Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She received the 15th annual John Christian 'Jay' Ruckelshaus, IV "Faith and Courage Award."
The Jay Award, established in 2012, honors individuals who show exceptional resilience and turn unexpected life challenges into opportunities to serve others.
It is named after Jay Ruckelshaus, a 2011 DAR Good Citizen finalist and high school co-valedictorian who was paralyzed in a tragic diving accident the summer before entering college, yet went on to achieve immense academic and advocacy success.
Finke, a standout student at Columbus Signature Academy New Tech Campus, was selected for the honor because of her dedicated advocacy work. Navigating her own experiences with hearing loss, she joined the Junior Board for Indiana Hands & Voices as a high school freshman. In this role, she has served as a vital mentor, advocate, and support system for families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing, showing how shared challenges can build life-changing relationships.
Finke’s road to the state stage began at home, where she was selected as the local DAR Good Citizen by the Joseph Hart Chapter. This foundational honor advanced her to the state-level competition. While she did not take home the overall State DAR Good Citizen title, Finke achieved remarkable success by winning the Southern District DAR Good Citizen award, making her one of only three district winners recognized across the entire state of Indiana.
Beyond her school and advocacy achievements, Finke is deeply involved in preserving local history, currently serving as the Media Specialist for the Bartholomew County Genealogical Society.
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