Ryan White honored with historical marker

(Left) The state Historical marker honoring Ryan White sits outside Hamilton Heights Middle School. (Right) Hamilton Heights School Board President Laura Reuter, Jeanne White-Ginder (Ryan White’s mother), State Representative Tony Cook and Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, who served as the keynote speaker at Friday’s event. (Photo provided by Hamilton Heights)

State and local officials conducted a public dedication ceremony on Friday for an Indiana state historical marker commemorating Ryan White and his efforts to raise national AIDS awareness while battling the disease as a teenager. White attended Hamilton Heights High School at this location from Aug. 31, 1987 until his death on April 8, 1990.

State historical markers commemorate significant individuals, organizations, places and events in Indiana history. These markers help communities throughout the state promote, preserve and present their history for the education and enjoyment of residents and tourists of all ages.

For over 100 years, the Indiana Historical Bureau has been marking Indiana history. Since 1946, the marker format has been the large roadside marker, which has the familiar dark blue background with gold lettering and the outline of the state of Indiana at the top. Over 650 of these markers have been installed over the years.

Photos provided by Hamilton Heights