Mike Carter, physical education teacher at Southern Wells Elementary School and a man with a lengthy list of community involvements, is the Bette A. Erxleben Volunteer of the Year for 2022.
The award is presented each year by the Wells County Foundation to an individual who has made “outstanding, sustained and unselfish broad-based contributions to the community service in Wells County.”
Carter will receive his honor at a luncheon at noon Thursday, Nov. 17, at Lighted Gardens north of Ossian.
Carter has been a teacher at Southern Wells Community Schools for 38 years where his mission has been one of helping all children develop healthy choices for both their minds and bodies. Over his career, more than 3,800 of his students have learned the life lessons of wellness and healthy choice.
In addition to teaching, Carter is an active volunteer for the Five Points School where he has assisted with the ice cream social, numerous restoration projects, and the annual Fall Festivals. He sponsors bike rides with his students to the historic school house.
He also volunteers with Whitetails Unlimited of Wells County, the American Heart Association, and the Elks Hoop Shoot.
The luncheon honoring Carter is open to the community with registration required to 260-824-8620. The cost of the luncheon is $17, with the registration deadline being Tuesday, Nov. 15.
