(AUBURN) - A longtime special education teacher and Special Olympics leader has been named Auburn's 2025 Citizen of the Year for her impact on students and the community.
Carol Fike Baker, a teacher at DeKalb High School, was surprised with the honor during a City Council meeting Tuesday night, surrounded by family, colleagues and students.
Baker helped launch the school's nationally recognized Unified Sports program and currently coaches five teams, including the state champion Unified Flag Football team. She also serves as Area 3 director for Special Olympics Indiana and is set to represent the state at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
City officials praised Baker's decades of service, citing her work to expand opportunities for students with disabilities and her continued volunteer efforts throughout the community.