City of Hobart hosts Honor & Achievement Awards 2026

On Wednesday, Jan. 26, the City of Hobart hosted its annual Honor and Achievement Awards. It took place at Wild Woods, A Gathering Place. The event is a celebration of the people who make Hobart an exceptional place to call home. It recognizes local individuals whose dedication, kindness, leadership, and service uplift the community. From inspiring students and selfless volunteers to neighbors who go above and beyond, it’s about the hometown stars who make Hobart shine brighter every day.

Guests were able to celebrate their achievements with friends, family, and colleagues. Upon arrival, Mayor Josh Huddleston greeted guests with opening remarks. Dinner followed, and the evening continued with the awards ceremony and closing remarks. In previous years, recognitions took place during city council meetings, but Huddleston wanted to create something bigger and more meaningful for the community.

“It’s an event to honor some amazing people in our community who have done amazing things. We wanted to make it special for guests and honor them with a night to celebrate with their loved ones, family, and peers. It highlights them and brings a lot of the work they’re doing to a positive light. We want to recognize them and give back to them for all that they’ve given to our community,” Huddleston said.

Among the honorees was Joseph Porcaro, named Firefighter of the Year. The award recognizes a firefighter who demonstrates courage, dependability, and a strong commitment to protecting life and property. Porcaro consistently supports his fellow firefighters and serves the community with professionalism and integrity.

“I was really humbled. I was not expecting to get an award. I just look forward to going to work every day,” Porcaro said.

Dee Bedella received the Collaboration and Partnership Award for her extraordinary commitment to fostering positivity and connection throughout Hobart. For nearly four decades at St. Mary Medical Center, she has served not only as a healthcare professional but also as a community advocate and leader. Regardless of what she’s going through in her personal life, she shows up with a smile.

“I love helping people, that’s my passion, and I love my patients, that’s the bottom line. I would do anything for them. I feel you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. The healthcare professionals at St. Mary’s are such a wonderful group. It’s about having empathy for people,” Bedella said.

Kacey Allen received the Educational Excellence Award for her long-standing commitment to students, families, and educators. She has dedicated 24 years to the School City of Hobart and currently serves as principal at Veterans Elementary School.

“I’m a lifelong brickie: I was born and raised here. I grew up right here in Hobart, dreaming of becoming a teacher someday. This award is not just a reflection of my work, but of the incredible teachers, staff, families, and students who make our school such a special place. Thank you for allowing me to serve, to lead, and to give back to the place that gave me so much. I am honored, humbled, and excited to continue this work. When you love what you do, and who you do it for, it never feels like just a job,” Allen said.

Hannah Webster received the Mayor’s Honor and Achievement Award, an honor given to an individual who exemplifies the very best of the community. The award recognizes someone who demonstrates strength, resilience, and genuine care for others—someone who notices when something isn’t right and takes action without hesitation. Recipients lead not through titles, but through everyday moments of attentiveness, compassion, and responsibility.

This year, the award carried special meaning for Mayor Huddleston. Webster noticed that the crossing guard at her son’s school was acting out of character—the same crossing guard who happens to be Huddleston’s grandfather.

“I have an extremely busy life, like everybody else, and my favorite part of the day is the pickup line. That day, he just looked off, and he normally has a huge smile on his face,” Webster said.

Grandpa Gene, the beloved afternoon crossing guard at Veterans Elementary School, is known for his cheerful attitude and warm greetings. That day, however, he wasn’t himself. Rather than brushing it off or assuming someone else would notice, Webster trusted her instincts. She recognized that something was wrong and immediately contacted the school. The school nurse promptly called emergency services, and thanks to their swiftness, he made a full recovery.

Huddleston emphasized that too often, people notice something isn’t right but assume someone else will step in. By honoring individuals like Webster, the Mayor’s Honor and Achievement Award serves as a reminder that strong communities are built when neighbors pay attention, care deeply, and step in when it matters most.

“What makes a community is the sum of everyone who helps contribute, whether it’s from educators to senior citizens to individuals in our community, just recognizing those giving back to our community. We are so thankful in our community to be blessed by so many individuals who go above and beyond and don’t really seek recognition, and just do it out of the kindness of their hearts,” Huddleston said.

For more information on the City of Hobart, click here: CityofhobartHobart, IN – Official Website | Official Website

Names of all the award winners:

Jenny Webber – Virginia Curtis Award

Kenny Evans – Tony Wirtz Award

Don & Jackie Rogers – Rachel Rodriguez Award

Grace Anderson – Youth Citizen of the Year Award

Dave Stutler – Senior Citizen of the Year Award

Kacey Allen – Educational Excellence Award

Dee Bedella – Collaboration & Partnership Award

Israel Hernandez – Community Impact Award

Don Kosmatka – Public Safety Award

Joseph Porcaro – Firefighter of the Year

Corporal Mike Jimenez – Police Officer of the Year

Hannah Webster – Mayor’s Honor and Achievement Award