The first thing some people may think of when they hear the name Hugh Schaefer is – basketball. While he may know the in’s and out’s of every local game for the past 60 years, Mr. Schaefer has also made an impact on countless lives in the community in other ways. As an educator, coach, mentor and friend, he has dedicated his time to helping others succeed in life, and is a worthy recipient of this year’s N. Philip Shelton Humanitarian Award. A Knox County native, he spent most of his youth watching or playing basketball. He fell in love with the sport so much that he pursued a degree in education at Oakland City College, so he could fulfill his dream of becoming a coach. Schaefer began his coaching career in 1966 at Monroe City High School. After following Sam Alford to South Knox when it opened, at the age of 34, he became the head coach of the Spartans until the 1981 season. South Knox High School is also where he taught Social Studies for many years and met his wife, Glenda. The couple was married in 1982. At 74-years old, Schaefer remains dedicated to helping others, including speaking at events or award ceremonies. After a liver transplant in 2008, due to non-alcoholic idiopathic cirrhosis of the liver, he has become a huge advocate for organ donation. He has spoke to members of his church about the transplant process and even recounted his experience for a student who was writing a research paper on the topic. He has taken all of his life experiences and used them as opportunities to educate or help others. Schaefer will be presented with the Shelton Award on Sunday, January 28 at 2 p.m. eastern in Eva Hill Auditorium at Good Samaritan’s Health Pavilion. The public is invited to attend. A family physician in Vincennes, Dr. Shelton lived a life of dedication to his community and serving others. In recognition of his service, the Dr. N. Philip Shelton Humanitarian Award was established in 1998.