Since December, PortageLife.com has periodically featured episodes of the People of Portage, the video segment that gives you an inside look at the people that live in our great city. When we're out at different functions in the community we enjoy chatting with Portage residents or community representatives about a variety of topics. Let's take a look back at the ten video segments that we've put together thus far.
The very first episode of The People of Portage was posted during the holiday season. We talked to the People of Portage about what they enjoy doing during the holiday season. Kirsten DeMass, Emily Evans, Amanda Klenk, Michael Bourge, Tommy Elwood and Edna Elwood were all interviewed.
During the school year it is evident that the Portage High School student body is very supportive of Indians athletics. During a home boys basketball game against Crown Point this winter, we asked the People of Portage to share their favorite part of attending PHS sporting events. Students Bailey Lauritzen, Patrick Derr, Kris Springman, Nicki Monahan and Eric Mesarch all participated.
During a chilly winter day, we headed out to Olson Park, one of the premiere sledding locations in the city of Portage. While we were there, we caught up with several Portage residents to find out their favorite outdoor activity during the winter.
When the calendar turned to February, love was in the air. Morgan Jackson, Peyton Hulse, Shelby Bryniarski, Katie Peksenak and Sara Bottari talked about their Valentine's Day plans and traditions.
A month later, the country's attention turned to the hardwood for college basketball March Madness excitement. Kentucky defeated Kansas 67-59 in the National Championship of the NCAA Tournament with Ohio State and Louisville also appearing in the final four. Find out how our panel did on this edition of the People of Portage, featuring Final Four picks from PHS science teacher Robert Kania, PHS boys basketball coach Rick Snodgrass, PHS freshman Chris Jordan, PHS senior David Jercha and Portage citizen Larry Vickrey.
Each spring, the Portage High School Student Council holds an overnight lock-in event to raise money for a good cause. This year the Caring Place was the beneficiary of all funds raised. On this edition of the People of Portage, we found out why people decided to stay up all night at Insomnia. Evie Tsarnas, Collin Czilli, Chris Evans, Taylor Searcy and Derik Novina were our guests.
By the start of May students' minds were already anticipating the start of summer break, but there were many exciting events during the final portion of the school year. Rachel Santos, Kacie McGuire, Nick Jordan and Noah Simmons told us what they were most looking forward to.
Longtime Portage Township Schools Superintendent Mike Berta retired at the conclusion of the 2011-2012 school year. On May 20, his retirement open house was held at Myers Elementary School. Berta's impact is evident based on the emotion at the open house and the heartfelt responses from his successor Ric Frataccia, his assistant Tom Taylor, Willowcreek Middle School principal Michelle Stewart and secretary Cindy Laingren in this edition of the People of Portage.
Portage residents got together for a great cause in early June with the annual Relay for Life walk at Willowcreek Middle School. Candy Walczak, Jordan Tuel, Teresa Lewis, Antonio Gutierrez, Chris Brock and Susan Rudd were all interviewed about why they chose to participate.
In the most recent episode, our PortageLife team trekked around the city to promote the website and ask some of the most prominent members of the community what they love about having a site that only covers the positive news in Portage. PHS Principal Caren Swickard, PTS Director of Title and Special Student Programs Debra Dudek, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terry Hufford and City Councilman Ted Uzelac all weighed in.
Do you have an idea for a future People of Portage episode? Share it with us by emailing share@portagelife.com! Be sure to check back for future installments of the People of Portage, I know you'll enjoy!