The Indiana Pacers and Hoosier Lottery presented a Community Impact Award to Dayton Elementary School special education teacher Brandy Cain. A committee selected Cain for her tireless dedication to her students, school and community.

Cain received the award at a recent Indiana Pacers game with her husband, John, and son Carson. It was Carson’s first NBA game and it was a thrill to meet player James Johnson. “Basketball and teaching are two of my favorite things, so it was the perfect Friday night for our family,” says Cain. “James Johnson was extremely kind and went out of his way to thank me for doing the work I do.”

Cain has been teaching for 26 years and has a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. She says it is an honor to be recognized and will continue to do her best to make a positive impact in the lives of her students.

“I hope I am preparing all my students to be productive members of their community by creating a positive, inclusive, and safe classroom environment,” Cain says. “My goal each year is to build relationships with students and parents so that they know they are loved, safe, and respected. Hopefully this is something that carries on with them moving forward.”