A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Tori Bliss

A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Tori Bliss

The old saying always is, there is no place like home, and it definitely holds true for Tori Bliss, a paraprofessional for Portage High School.

Bliss is Portage proud, born and raised. The only time she spent away from the city was a brief stint at Louisiana State University, where she did her hometown proud in the classroom and as a student-athlete.

Since middle school, Bliss was a multi-sport athlete at Portage. She played basketball, softball, and track and field, landing a multi-state champion title in shot put. Even when away from Portage, she continued to excel, setting multiple school records at LSU where she was a three-time All-American in track and field.

“I am very proud of all my accomplishments,” Bliss said. ”The best part about it is that I can use what I have done to continue to grow and help motivate myself and others.”

Bliss’ hard work and dedication goes far beyond her abilities as an athlete. She also spends a lot of her time as a coach for Portage High School.

“To me, there is no bigger reward than seeing the kids grow and learn. Seeing all they can accomplish serves as a great reminder of why I am doing what I do,” she said.

Bliss’ journey back to Portage was an easy choice. Family is very important to her and she wanted to come back and be close to them. She may have just started her work for Portage in September, but she is eager to do all she can to help better her players, students, and the community.

“I love it here, always have and always will,” she said.” I feel like going away was great and it really helped me learn a lot about myself. It made me realize that this is where I want to be.”

Bliss takes pride in the work she does for Portage. Whether she’s coaching or contributing to Salvation Army food drives, she wants everyone who lives in the city to be Portage proud.

“This city is tough. It has a certain kind of grit about it,” Bliss said.” It’s filled with people who never give up, and who come together as one community and not as individuals.”

Bliss may be new to the job at Portage High School, but she already loves it. Her secret backup plan job?

“If I had the chance, I think I would actually be a pretty awesome rapper. I think it would be a lot of fun, plus I am already pretty good.”