Longtime teacher, counselor earns Milan High School Citizenship Award

Award given to those who show community service, character

(MILAN, Ind.) – A longtime Milan teacher is being recognized for her commitment to the school and community.

Brenda Schwering has earned the 2025 Milan High School Citizenship Award, which is given to an individual who shows exceptional community service, character, and dedication to the betterment of others. 

Schwering served in the school corporation for 33 years, both as a teacher and counselor at Milan Elementary. 

She is credited with being a driving force behind several initiatives. 

“She played a key role in developing and securing funding for character development programs, including the widely celebrated Leader in Me program and the TLC Volunteer Program, both of which continue to shape the culture and values of Milan students,” the school said. 

Brenda's community involvement extends far beyond the school walls. She is a founding member of Milan CARES, a co-founder of Moving MES Forward, and currently serves as the Support Development Coordinator for Milan CARES Central, an out-of-school mentoring program that provides vital support to local youth. 

Her service also includes board membership with Milan CARES, New Horizons, and the United Way of Franklin and Ripley Counties. 

She also volunteers with the Batesville Food Pantry, Bread of Life in Greensburg, and is a proud member of both the Ripley County Retired Teachers Association and St. Mark Lutheran Church. 

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Brenda enjoys reading (and co-leads a book study), traveling, exercising, cooking, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband, Doug Schwering, have two grown sons—Landon, who lives in Batesville, and Logan, who resides in Indianapolis.