Governor Mike Pence presented Cathedral High School graduate Jay Ruckleshaus, class of 2011, with the Sagamore of the Wabash award during a surprise presentation at Ruckelshaus’ alma mater today.
Jay Ruckelshaus accepts Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Mike Pence.
Ruckelshaus had returned to Cathedral High School in order to be recognized by the school during a special all-school assembly for being named a Rhodes Scholar. Ruckelshaus, valedictorian of the class of 2011, served as a class officer, captain of the Brain Game team, and president of Habitat for Humanity during his years at Cathedral. He was a co-winner of the Board of Trustee’s Award and was named Outstanding Scholar in 15 courses. Ruckelshaus also was a member of Cathedral’s cross country and swim teams, as well as the Indianapolis Rowing team.
In July of 2011, Ruckelshaus was critically injured in a diving accident and spent a year doing physical therapy at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. After a grueling rehabilitation, he entered Duke University in August of 2012 as an A.B. Duke Scholar. During his years at Duke, Ruckelshaus was named a Truman Scholar and earned the Faculty Scholar Award. Additionally, he is a passionate advocate for the disabled and has created a foundation, The Ramp Less Traveled, which provides scholarships and mentoring for quadriplegics who wish to attend college. Ruckelshaus has made presentations at numerous conferences and has worked closely with college administrators to encourage more open access to colleges for all students. In November of last year, Ruckelshaus was named a Rhodes Scholar.
Ruckelshaus is the first Cathedral graduate to be named a Rhodes Scholar. The Rhodes Scholarships
“bring outstanding students from many countries around the world to the University of Oxford.” Each year the selection committees choose 32 scholars representing the fifty states and District of Columbia. Applicants from more than 300 colleges and universities have been selected as Rhodes Scholars. While Rhodes Scholars are chosen for their intellectual distinction, excellence in qualities of mind, qualities of person, and the promise of effective service in the years ahead are also important considerations.
About Sagamore of the Wabash
The Sagamore of the Wabash is an honorary award created by the state of Indianaduring the term of Governor Ralph F. Gates (1945 to 1949). The term sagamore was the term used by Algonquian-speaking American Indian tribes of the northeastern United States for the tribal chiefs. The Wabash is the “State River” of Indiana and major tributaryof the Ohio River. Each governor since Gates has presented the certificates in his own way. Until 2006, the award was the highest honor that the Governor of Indiana bestows, a personal tribute usually given to those who rendered distinguished service to the state or to the governor. Among those who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians, and citizens who have contributed greatly to “Hoosier” heritage.
About Cathedral High School
Cathedral is a private, independent, Catholic, college-preparatory school serving 1,263 students in grades 9 to 12. The school was founded in 1918 by the Brothers of Holy Cross and for 97 years has followed the philosophy of transforming a diverse group of students to have the competence to see and the courage to act. For more information, visit gocathedral.com.
Cathedral High School
5225 E. 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226