The Distinguished Alumni program is in its first year at Eastern Pulaski. The program is intended to demonstrate to students, staff, members of the community and nearby areas that Winamac has much to offer and there are many paths one may take upon graduation resulting in successful and productive lives.

Further, the program honors those alumni who have indeed led successful lives while making substantial contributions to their chosen field of work or have provided outstanding service to their community, state, or country.

School officials report details for the formal recognition ceremony are still being determined and will be released at a later date, however, it is anticipated sometime during early to mid September. As part of the ceremonies, the recognized alumni will be invited to speak to students regarding their profession and/or service.

Ralph Braun(posthumously) -The first mobility product Braun engineered was a motorized scooter, which he called the Tri-Wheeler. What started as a part-time business filling orders for Tri-Wheelers from his parents’ garage evolved into Save-A-Step Manufacturing. A few years later, Braun outfitted an old postal Jeep with hand controls and a hydraulic lift so he could have reliable transportation. He then moved into the Dodge minivan.

BraunAbility was incorporated in 1972 and has been a leading force of accessible vehicles ever since. Throughout the company’s existence, Braun kept his headquarters in his hometown of Winamac (population 2,500). Today approximately 1,000 individuals are employed by the company.

Braun received numerous awards, including the “Champion of Change” honor by the White House in 2012. He is regarded as a true pioneer of an industry that has brought freedom to hundreds of thousands of individuals across the world. The BraunAbility legacy of quality and dedication will continue in the name of its pioneering father.

Bryce Brumm - After graduating from Winamac, Brumm went to Purdue University. A bright, young, energetic man, he had many options but chose to return to his hometown. His nominator states, “Bryce is currently the owner/operator of a self-created business in Winamac named Standard Industrial.”

In addition to being a self-created businessman and providing many jobs for local community members, Brumm continues to give back to the community. He has given much time to work with the youth in the community, volunteering through the former YMCA, his church, and school organizations, giving his time or sometimes as a silent donor for someone needing assistance.

Pamela (Warren) Burger - Affectionately known to her students simply as Mrs. Burger, she is someone whom everyone turns to and somehow she is always there. Her nominator writes: “Pam has dedicated her career, life, and family to Winamac. She graduated from Winamac High School and has committed her life to this town. Her passion and commitment to making this community a better place is evident in everything she does. Anyone that knows Pam would understand that she would do anything for anyone and mostly anything for her students at school. Her support for every age level is unbelievable and she seems to always know the needs and wants of this community.”

Those who know Mrs. Burger know that she has supported and sponsored many different clubs and activities on campus. She regularly assists with numerous school activities and events from selling tickets to helping take measurements at the shot put at track meets. In the fall of 2017, she used a Fall Break day to take a group of students in the health occupations class to Indianapolis. Mrs. Burger and former partner teacher Rayeann Absher (now Taylor (Halleck) White), are known in the northern half of the state to run one of the best hospitality rooms come tournament time.

Tyler Fox(posthumously) - Fox lived to serve his country and was a proud Marine. Upon graduating from Winamac in 2007, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps. He served in various capacities while in the USMC and was a distinguished veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.

SSgt Fox was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in 2011 while serving as Sweeper, Scout Sniper Platoon, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, Marines, Regimental Combat Team 8, 2d Marine Division (Forward) from March 2011 to August 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom for saving the lives of many of his comrades. He was similarly awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in September 2014.

In his nomination, Fox’s nominator wrote, “Tyler touched so many lives, and influenced so many people in his short 29 years; everyone was drawn to him. Tyler only aspired to help others in his life, and that’s just what he did.”

Daniel Frain  - Dan is a lifelong Winamac resident and a 1969 graduate of Winamac High School. He attended Purdue University and is a graduate of the Indiana College of Mortuary Science. Frain began his career in mortuary in 1970 working for his late father, Maxwell Frain, and became a funeral director in 1972.

Frain was part of the very first EMT classes in Indiana and went on to teach life-saving techniques of the time to future generations. He is a past president of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association (IFDA) as well as a former Pulaski County coroner, deputy coroner, and Pulaski County councilman.

While Frain has served his community needs in mortuary for more than 40 years, he has also been active within his community with such achievements as being instrumental in the creation of the Winamac Industrial Park, the building of a new Little League/softball diamond in conjunction with the relocation of the tennis courts, the expansion of Arens Field, and the building of the Pulaski County YMCA.

Frain’s contributions and efforts have not gone unnoticed as he has received Indiana's Sagamore of the Wabash Award, as well as the local Halleck Community Service Award. In addition, he was afforded the opportunity in 2016 to serve as a Bicentennial Torch Bearer.

Cheryl Goble - Goble holds a doctorate of chiropractic degree and has been an owner/operator of three Goble Heal Chiropractic offices in Winamac, Rochester and Lafayette.

Dr. Goble is widely heralded in her profession, being a Fellow in Gonstead Clinical Studies Society, contributing author – Pediatric Chiropractic textbook and Textbook of Clinical Chiropractic, as well as a lecturer on Chiropractic Pediatrics and Pregnancy. Dr. Goble is also widely acknowledged for her teaching, both internationally and within the U.S.

On a more personal level, Dr. Goble has been a strong sponsor of Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build, leading teen Bible study sessions, and contributing to numerous community organizations.

In fact, Cherie’s nominator stated, “She has a generous and humble heart, always lending a hand to those in need and expecting nothing in return.”