A few months ago, PortageLife started a series called A Portage Life in the Spotlight, which features different members of the Portage community who make an impact. In that time, we’ve had the opportunity to interact with and get to know nine of the most interesting, giving, fun and involved people in the city of Portage. We will continue to feature a new life each week, so check back for that. But first, be sure to catch up on reading all of these articles! Here’s an overview of the nine that have been done so far.
Robert Parker, PHS History Teacher
Mr. Robert Parker has a knack for connecting with his students and keeping his classes interesting. He teaches AP US History, Pre-AP World History and AP Western Civilization. He has taught for many years at Fegely Middle School and Portage High School. In his time at PHS, he has accumulated 13 of the coveted ACES awards. Click here to read more about Parker, including his travels out of the country and the book that he wrote!
Tim Kunstek, PHS Homeschool Advisor
Tim Kunstek has a unique job that allows him to take his dog to work with him every day. Kunstek is a homeschool advisor at Portage High School and works alongside Prince, the Compassionate Canine, to help students with problems or issues that are troubling them. Click here to read more about Kunstek and Prince!
Melissa Deavers-Lowie, PHS Publications Advisor
Melissa Deavers-Lowie returned to her alma-mater, PHS, in 2007 as a journalism and English teacher, while also serving as the PHS Publications advisor. She leads her student-run publications as the students learn how to best cover the stories and issues that are relevant to the school. When Deavers-Lowie took over as the advisor, the Publications Department included just the Legend (yearbook) and Pow Wow (newspaper), but under her watch the school has added a closed circuit morning television show, an online radio station, a sports magazine and a website in addition to improving the Pow Wow and Legend. Click here to learn more about Deavers-Lowie!
Troy Williams, PTS Student Resource Officer
Portage Police Corporal Troy Williams has been assigned to the Portage Township Schools since 2006 as the Student Resource Officer. Williams embraces his role as a resource to the School District. He is also involved in the community and gets a chance to further interact with students as a coach of youth sports and sponsor of the Outstanding Young Man program. Click here for more information on Williams!
James Brasseur, PHS Senior/Leader of Superfans
Brasseur has made an impact on the Portage community through his leadership with the Superfans of Portage High School. Prior to the start of this school year, the PHS senior created a Facebook group intended to increase support at Portage athletic events. The group has led to a larger and more supportive student section. Click here to read more about James and his other accomplishments.
Diana Rivera, PHS Athletic Secretary
With 20 total varsity teams, keeping the PHS Athletic Department organized is not an easy job. Much of that load falls on the shoulders of the Athletic Secretary, who works hard to keep everything under control and aids Athletic Director Jeff Smith and Assistant AD Kelly Bermes in a variety of capacities. Click here to learn more about the hard work that Rivera puts in!
Michael Berta, Superintendent of Portage Schools
Mike Berta has announced that his 40-year career in education will come to an end next summer with his retirement as Superintendent of Portage Schools. During his time as a teacher and administrator, he has made a positive impact on the lives of many students. Follow this link for the full story on Berta’s legacy.
Mike Martinez, Founder of Hannah’s Hope
Mike Martinez, a 1998 Portage graduate and lifelong Portage resident, founded a non-profit organization called Hannah’s Hope, which donates funds to organizations that help children with neurological disabilities. Martinez was inspired to start the organization when his daughter Hannah, who is now two years old, had a prenatal stroke. Click here for more information about Hannah’s Hope and its founder.
Grant Monahan, President of PHS Athletic Boosters
Monahan has been able to give back to his alma mater by serving as the President of the PHS Athletic Booster Club. The club, which is comprised of the parents of student-athletes, aids the Athletic Department in any way that it can. Monahan recently added a job as the Fegely Middle School eighth grade “B” basketball coach to his slate. Click here for more on Monahan.
Continue to check back each week for more great stories on some of most active members of the Portage community! If you have a suggestion for a Portage Life in the Spotlight article, please send it to share@portagelife.com, or post it on the PortageLife Facebook page.