When researching the next Valpo Life in the Spotlight, I spoke with Bekah Postma, a Valparaiso University student doing field work at Parkview Elementary School. She spoke of Parkview teacher Justin Schafer saying, “He is incredible! The technology...
Life in the Spotlight
Northwest Indiana is full of people working hard every day to make their communities a better place. Since 2011, GreatNews.Life has been putting the spotlight on the people spreading this positivity in the Region with our Life in the Spotlight series. New articles are published every Wednesday, so be sure to check back often to learn more about the stories of great people doing great things in Northwest Indiana.
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Diane Highlands
For years now Diane Highlands has been a fixture in the Portage community as the owner and operator of the Portage Dairy Queen. For her commitment to her community, Diane is the week’s A Portage Life in the Spotlight. Diane has been a resident of...
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Marko Pekovic
Portage High School senior Marko Pekovic was in disbelief when his name was called as the winner of the 2012 PHS Outstanding Young Man Scholarship program. Pekovic’s success in the event attests to his commitment, intelligence, stage presence and...
A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Judy Commers
Judy Commers, the next in our Valpo Life in the Spotlight series, has taught in Fort Wayne, Lafayette, Chesterton and Valparaiso High School, but has most recently taught at the Porter County Career and Technical Center (PCCTC) in Valpo for the past...
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Mike Candiano
There is a new sheriff in town in the Portage Township Schools system. Mike Candiano, this week’s A Portage Life in the Spotlight, was recently tapped to replace outgoing School Resource Officer Troy Williams. Master Patrolman Candiano, 34, a...
A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Bonnie Stephens
As principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School (TJE), Bonnie Stephens, Ph.D., was proud to accept the honor of runner-up to the National Title 1 Distinguished School Award as an Indiana High Performing Title 1 School on behalf of TJE. In 2008,...
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Michael DePasquale
Michael DePasquale is a man of many interests. From radio commentary, to band directing, to riding motorcycles, DePasquale has done a little bit of everything. This year, he has added another new experience to his repertoire as an assistant...
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Michelle Stewart
This week’s A Portage Life in the Spotlight is Michelle Stewart, principal of Willowcreek Middle School. Michelle has dedicated her entire adult life to education and for the past six years, led Willowcreek Middle School in a new direction....
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Dr. Ric Frataccia
Six years ago, a vision came to fruition when Portage Township Schools Associate Superintendent Dr. E. Ric Frataccia joined the district to work alongside his good friend Mike Berta, who will conclude his career as the Superintendent of Portage...
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Terry Hufford
This week’s A Portage Life in the Spotlight is Terry Hufford, the Executive Director of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce. A 40 year resident of Portage, Terry Hufford has spent his entire adult life serving people. He served his country in...