Delegate Kipke Awarded For Public Service

Delegate Nic Kipke was recently awarded the Casper R. Taylor Jr. Founder’s Award. This award is presented annually to a sitting member of the House of Delegates for steadfast commitment to public service and for demonstrating the integrity of the House of Delegates.

The award is given to “someone who participates in this body and elevates everyone,” House Speaker Michael E. Busch explained. “The award goes to an individual who has risen to be the minority leader, and [Kipke] has conducted himself in such a way that he has elevated the stature of the House, by his debate and demeanor on the House floor.”

Kipke said, “It was a surprise to receive the honor, and when I saw my wife and kids walking out to join me to receive this, I felt very sentimental.”

Joining Kipke were his wife, Susannah; son, James; and daughter, Evelyn, all of whom were secretly informed of the award so that they could join him in receiving the honor. His sister, Marygrace, and father, Ken, joined them in the gallery. “As delegate and minority leader, I strive to bring dignity to our debates and do all I can to diminish partisan foolishness so that we can actually focus on solving problems,” Kipke said. “To be acknowledged by the members and Speaker [Busch] in this way, it is personally rewarding, and I am very grateful.”