KATE COMISKEY
ROOKIE ADVISER OF THE YEAR AWARD
__________
Embedded Files
The Kate Comiskey Rookie Adviser of the Year Award was established in 2008 by the Indiana Association of Student Councils in memory of Kate Comiskey, a first-year adviser from Indian Creek High School in Trafalgar, Indiana, who was tragically killed in a car accident on her way to school. The award is intended to recognize new advisers who have done an outstanding job as "rookies."
A "rookie adviser" is one who has been in the position for three years or less.
Kate Comiskey was an enthusiastic, energetic, dedicated adviser who gave selflessly of her time and talents in order to benefit the student leadership program at her high school. She was a wonderful role model for her students and created a warm, welcoming environment for them. She was committed to leadership and to developing student leaders of character.
Nomination Criteria & Procedures
Three letters of recommendation must accompany this nomination. These letters of recommendation must be from: 1) the Nominee’s School Principal or Administrator, 2) the Nominee’s Student Council President. and 3) the Nominee’s Colleague or Supervisor
To make a nomination, a school must have been an IASC member school for a minimum of two consecutive years.
IASC member schools can make just one nomination in any given year.
IASC Officials may receive the Kate Comiskey Rookie Adviser of the Year Award just once during their service to the IASC.
The overall Kate Comiskey Rookie Adviser of the Year Award Recipients shall not be considered again for five (5) years following receipt.
ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE MADE ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31ST, 2027
Selection Procedures
A Selection Committee consisting of a team of IASC Officials will select one Kate Comiskey Rookie Adviser of the Year Award recipient each year. The recipient may be from any of the IASC Divisions.
The selection committee will not contain any representative from the school of those nominated.
Announcement of all IASC Rookie Adviser of the Year Award Recipients will be made in the spring of each year at Representative Assembly. Elementary Division honorees will be recognized and honored locally at their schools.
Award
The Kate Comiskey Rookie Adviser of the Year Award Recipient shall receive a complimentary registration to the annual IASC’s Advisers’ Conference and a plaque honoring their receipt of the award. Recipients’ names will also be added to the list of past IASC Kate Comiskey Rookie Advisers of the Year Award recipients on the IASC’s website – www.iasc.us.
2026 Kate Comiskey Rookie Adviser of the Year
Susan Ketcham
East Central High School
In her first year as student council adviser at East Central High School, Mrs. Susan Ketcham has made a lasting impact by creating new opportunities for students to lead and support one another. She helped establish a student leadership organization that encourages students to attend and support school activities together, creating a visible culture of school spirit and ensuring every student feels valued simply for being involved. She also actively mentors students involved with the Indiana Association of Student Councils, encouraging them to pursue leadership opportunities beyond their own school.
Mrs. Ketcham's passion for student leadership has strengthened Trojan Pride, expanded leadership development, and created meaningful opportunities for students to connect and grow. Students describe her as someone who inspires them to be the best versions of themselves, while colleagues praise her servant leadership, energy, and unwavering commitment to putting students first. The Indiana Association of Student Councils is proud to recognize Mrs. Susan Ketcham as the 2026 Kate Comiskey Rookie Adviser of the Year.
Page updated
Report abuse