This week's Portage Life in the Spotlight is one that many of you know. She's a talented high school student who happens to be an exceptionally talented Coverage Team Member for PortageLife. Lydia Gerike is one girl that you will say, "I remember her before she was famous," 20 years from now.
A lifelong Portage resident, Gerike is quite the active kid. She's currently a junior at Portage High School and involved with many activities in and out of school. She's involved in the high school student newspaper the Pow Wow as editor-in-chief, she's a thespian - co-choreographing musicals, a member of the National Honor Society, she's the junior class president for student council, and a cellist in advanced orchestra.
Outside of school Gerike is quite the dancer. You can find her at the Civic Dance Center taking part in ballet, point, jazz, tap, and musical theatre.
"I have a passion for a lot of different things. I want to see what I'm good at and I have a lot of leadership roles and those help me in my other roles," Gerike said.
Gerike came to work for us at PortageLife almost a year and a half ago. Because of her hard work as well as the hard work of the PHS students that work for us, the town of Portage and it's hidden gems are being revealed.
"[Working for PortageLife] has given me a lot more confidence. I'm able to put myself in situations that I may not be comfortable in, I'm able to talk to people and treat them with professionalism, and it's been interesting to get out in the community." Gerike said. "I love the reporting process. I get real opportunities to get out in the field. I get in things the minute that they happen."
Gerike has recently taken to volunteer work. She likes to pick up any time that she can. 500 Turkeys, a "Get the Vote" fundraiser for David Reynolds, and more have been new endeavors that she has embarked on.
Currently, Gerike lives with her parents and little brother in Portage. Her future plans include college - her dream school is the University of Chicago, and she wants to major in Political Science or International Relations and minor in Journalism.
"I love the atmosphere of that school. People want to be there and learn as much as they can," Gerike said.
Gerike's ultimate goal is to get into the US Senate. She wants to make big changes that positively affect America.
"I want to bring more moderate view. Party lines are a big deal and I want to change that and I'd try to help change the educational system. Some groups get more attention than others and we should be meeting the needs of all students," Gerike stated.
See? She's going places and we at PortageLife are happily watching her star rise.
And what does Gerike have to say to those who are looking to be more happy and successful in their own lives?
"Do what makes you happy. I stay involved and everything I do makes me happy. I wouldn't do it if it didn't make me happy," she ended.