Life in the Spotlight

At just 10 years old, Jacob Heitmann has turned his passion for 3D printing into an impressive venture. What began as a hobby inspired by classmates selling their creations has grown into a successful small business. Heitmann combines creativity,...

Kristy Hahn is a dedicated leader at Family Advocates, a nonprofit in La Porte committed to supporting vulnerable families and youth. As the community outreach & volunteer services coordinator, Hahn oversees critical programs like Court Appointed...

Deborah “Deb” Butterfield’s family are Cherokee Indians, with a great grandparent having traveled on the Trail of Tears before settling in Oklahoma. Butterfield’s parents moved from Oklahoma to Indiana for work, and they began their lives in...

"Life is a crazy journey, but it's a lot easier if we all do it together."  This is a mantra Cicily Porter lives by. As a news anchor, reporter, and podcast co-host, she understands the importance of community and shared experiences. Born and...

John Tran wants to offer every customer an experience as bubbly and memorable as the handcrafted drinks coming out of his new bubble tea shop. Originally from Nevada, this isn’t Tran’s first experience with owning a Teazentea franchise. He tried...

Patrick Reardon is the President of Reardon Consulting Services, an economic and real estate development consulting firm. With 42 years of extensive experience in economic and community development, he has a proven track record of achieving...

Most teenagers have to be persuaded to volunteer on the weekend. Olivia Hazzard, a sophomore at Marquette Catholic High School and lifelong Portage resident, gives back because she wants to, not because she has to. Hazzard’s earliest memory of...

Bob Strempka has become one of the most popular names in sports photography not only around the Region but around the state of Indiana. Yet, sports photography was not his original intention when picking up the camera.   After graduating...

Dr. C. Todd Cummings' journey from teaching to becoming the longest-serving superintendent of the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) in 25 years is a testament to his dedication to education. Growing up in Southern Indiana, Cummings...

Dena Whaling, born and raised in Valparaiso, has spent a large majority of her life giving back to the community in one way or another. Alongside her Valparaiso High School sweetheart, Matt, she has become a pillar of light and hope for friends and...