Local College Student named First-Ever Special Olympics Indiana Unified Partner of the Year
CULVER — Special Olympics Indiana Marshall-Starke County is proud to announce that Hayden Lute has made history as the first-ever recipient of the Special Olympics Indiana Unified Partner of the Year Award, receiving the statewide honor at the recent Special Olympics Indiana State Conference held in Carmel, Indiana.
Hayden was unable to attend the conference because she was at the pool for a swim conference at college in Michigan. Her parents, Julie and Alex Lute, proudly accepted the award on her behalf, celebrating this remarkable milestone in their daughter’s life.
This inaugural award recognizes Hayden’s outstanding dedication to inclusion, leadership, and the athletes she serves. After being nominated and recognized at the Area level, Hayden advanced as a state nominee and was ultimately selected as the first recipient of this statewide honor.
Hayden has been an integral part of the Marshall-Starke County program since its restart. Her journey began when her high school coach became the program’s assistant coach for swimming. Following the tragic loss of the program’s swim coach two years later, Hayden never wavered in her commitment. She remained dedicated to the program, supporting athletes through transitions, challenges, and growth.
Throughout the years, Hayden has built deep and meaningful friendships with athletes, encouraging them, motivating them, and consistently demonstrating what it means to be a true role model. Her positive attitude, genuine compassion, and ability to connect with people make her presence felt wherever she goes.
“Hayden is the kind of person every program hopes to have, but not every program is lucky enough to find,” said Jackie Ziaja, County Coordinator for Special Olympics Indiana Marshall-Starke County. “She doesn’t simply show up for our athletes—she builds relationships with them. She encourages them, celebrates them, and makes them feel like they can do anything. To have her named the very first recipient of this award is an incredible honor, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Hayden’s impact extends far beyond practices and competitions. At the Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games, she can often be found on the dance floor, bringing athletes together from across the state. Her infectious energy and willingness to include everyone turn ordinary moments into lasting memories. She doesn’t just participate—she makes sure others feel welcome, connected, and celebrated.
Her commitment to inclusion also extended into her high school community, where she volunteered as a teacher mentor for students with special needs. She demonstrated the same patience, compassion, and dedication with those students that she brought to Special Olympics, showing that her commitment to inclusion was part of who she was in every setting.
