From classroom teacher to principal mentor, Susan Mardis dedicated her 45-year career to the students and communities of Terre Haute and the Vigo County School Corporation. Her story exemplifies dedication, transformation and service, culminating in a legacy that extends far beyond school walls. It is a legacy the Hoosier Lottery proudly supports through its contributions to the Teachers' Retirement Fund. 

Susan's educational journey began as a substitute teacher, immediately stepping into classrooms after graduating from college to teach all grades for two and a half years. This experience proved invaluable, leading to her first official role at Terre Town Elementary in 1977, teaching third grade. 

Never willing to stop fighting for the youth she worked so hard to champion, her career spanned roles as a K-6 teacher, dean of students, writing teacher, elementary and middle school principal, adjunct principal at Indiana State University and principal mentor for the State of Indiana. One of her most defining achievements was leading a high-poverty school from an "F" state accountability grade to an "A" for two consecutive years. This success lifted the school from probation, showcasing her leadership and belief in every student's potential. She and her team implemented targeted interventions and fostered strong parental involvement, including honoring parents pursuing their own continuing education. 

Yet Susan's dedication wasn’t limited just to academics, as she believed whole-heartedly in holistic student development and emphasized strong family communication and community engagement, getting her students involved with numerous service initiatives such as:

• Donating food and hygienic items to the homeless and initiating a backpack program for food-insecure students 
• Partnering with local businesses for causes like supporting soldiers and fundraising for a student's heart transplant
• Organizing commemorative events, such as planting a tree after the Oklahoma City bombing 
• Engaging in community activities like displaying student art, penny wars for Riley Hospital, Salvation Army bell ringing, nursing home visits and community cleanups

Continuing her service into retirement, Susan serves on the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club Board, volunteers at The Hope House and co-founded the Trash Bagger Society for neighborhood cleanup. She also led a Garfield High School alumni group in building a plaza honoring alumni, teachers, staff and Olympic medalists. 

Susan’s story demonstrates the profound impact of our state’s educators, highlighting the dedication and service that embody the spirit of Indiana. For over 35 years in celebration of this spirit, the Hoosier Lottery has returned over $7 billion across every county in the state, including supporting our teachers’ pensions like Susan’s. We are honored to recognize her and all our Hoosier Heroes whose life's work continues to shape future generations.