For nearly 30 years, Laureen Neufer dedicated her career to preparing Indianapolis high schoolers for the real world. Retiring in 2025 from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), Laureen spent her time in the classroom adapting to a rapidly changing digital landscape, transforming the way her students viewed their futures, and proving herself to be a true Hoosier Hero.

From Typewriters to Technology 

Laureen’s career in education began with a business degree from Indiana University, eventually leading her to teach across multiple IPS locations, including Arlington, Broad Ripple, Northwest, and George Washington High Schools. For almost three decades, she taught business and computer applications, witnessing firsthand the dramatic shift in how students interact with technology. 

"We were just leaving typewriters," Laureen recalls of her early days teaching computer skills. "It was a novelty then."

In addition to introducing students to new technologies, she made it a priority to ensure her students were equipped with practical vocational skills—the kind of knowledge they could immediately apply outside the classroom walls. Whether she was breaking down the reality of credit card interest rates, explaining how income taxes affect a paycheck, or exploring how to develop a business, Laureen tailored her lessons so that high schoolers could understand the direct impact on their lives. 

Hoosier Hospitality and the Month of May 

For Laureen, teaching was always about connection and community. She fondly remembers the small, tight-knit community at Arlington High School, where she had the opportunity to teach the same group of students over four years, watching them grow and celebrate their graduations. 

That deep sense of connection extends to her love for Indianapolis. She praises the city's signature "Hoosier hospitality," noting how friendly people are whether you are walking down the street or shopping at a local store. 

Now that she has retired, she is embracing her newly available time to give back and enjoy her community. She volunteers monthly at a local food pantry, reads lighthearted mystery novels, spends quality time with her grandchildren, and fully embraces Indianapolis's most famous tradition: the Indy 500. With more free time, she recently enjoyed spending days at the track watching practice and qualifications with her husband, a lifelong fan who has attended the race for over 50 years. 

A Secure Future for Indiana's Educators 

As a retired teacher, Laureen understands the importance of planning for the future. She notes that knowing part of what she was earning was going toward a secure pension made the decision to retire much easier. 

When you play Hoosier Lottery games, you are supporting educators like Laureen. Since 1989, the Hoosier Lottery has contributed over $8.1 billion to good causes across the state, including local police & firefighters’ pensions, the Teachers’ Retirement Fund, and the Lottery Surplus Fund. 

Laureen enjoys participating in the fun herself, occasionally picking up Powerball tickets or enjoying a Scratch-off—even noting how fun it was to recently attend a wedding where the couple provided Scratch-offs as a wedding favor at every seat (for those 18+). 

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Laureen Neufer, a dedicated Hoosier Hero who has spent her life making Indiana communities stronger and better prepared for the future!