FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jacob Stewart, Press Secretary
Jacob.Stewart@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2025) — State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) gathered with legislators, educators and students for the Parents for School Options of Indiana Capitol Day on Jan. 15. Garten and State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) were honored with the Crystal Apple Award at the event for being champions of school choice, along with the late State Sen. Jack Sandlin (R-Indianapolis) in memoriam.
Garten was selected for this honor because of his commitment to providing school options that best serve student needs, as well as his dedication to improving and expanding innovative educational opportunities for all Hoosier families. This is the first year the awards were presented.
Garten supported the 2022-2023 state budget and sponsored the 2024-2025 state budget, which significantly increased the number of students eligible for the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, allocated an additional $3.93 billion investment in K-12 education and increased the amount of state tuition support that goes directly towards increasing teacher pay. He also sponsored a law that established Career Scholarship Accounts, increasing options for career and technical education for thousands of Hoosier families, among several other accomplishments.
"I am proud to have consistently supported the right of Hoosier families to educate their children in the manner that best suits their individual needs," Garten said. "I am honored to be recognized for my efforts over the past several years with the Crystal Apple Award, and even more so to be recognized along with my friend, the late Senator Jack Sandlin, and to stand next to his wife Lydia, who received the award on his behalf. Jack leaves behind an enormous legacy of public service, including his incredible commitment to supporting the diverse range of educational institutions across our state."
Garten encourages residents of Senate District 45 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Garten can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Garten or by phone at 800-382-9467.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) stands with Lydia Sandlin, wife of the late State Sen. Jack Sandlin (R-Indianapolis), after receiving the Crystal Apple Award from Parents for School Options Indiana.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) is honored with the Crystal Apple Award by Parents for School Options of Indiana Board Member Mary Harmon at their annual Capitol Day at the Indiana Statehouse on Jan. 15.
-30-
