It’s not everyday that you get to sit down with a cancer survivor, a military veteran, a change-maker in the community, or a thriving high school student and get a look into what it’s like to live in their shoes. By sitting down with the members of this Region, we’re able to learn a bit more about their experiences, and also what makes them so great to have around.
It’s special moments like these that we are particularly proud to share on the GreatNews.Life sites, including Life in the Spotlights, Survivor Series, Veteran Spotlight, Leadership Life, City in the Spotlight, Voices, and more.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 feature articles on Portage.Life to recap the good news in 2024!
#1StudentNWI: A night of Wizards and wonderment awaits Portage High School
Attention all Portage High School (PHS) graduates, it’s time to get your senior ad in the yearbook. Senior ads are great for families to showcase a Class of 2024 graduate and commemorate their hard work eternally in the yearbook. This custom personalization can take up from one-sixteenth to half a page in the yearbook.
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Bill Kresal and Billie the dog
Bill Kresal has become well-known around his community for his thoughtful heart and willingness to give back. Kresal has received a little help from his side-kick, his dog Billie, along the way.
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Jill Redmon
Jill Redmon, the district coordinator of Media Services for Portage Township Schools (PTS) embarked on a journey from teacher to media specialist. She contributes her professional journey to her unwavering love of education.
Early in Redmon’s life, she discovered her innate desire to become a teacher. A native of Portage and a former student at Willow Creek Middle School, Redmon attributes an inspiring, local educator Ruth Drake as the catalyst for her future career.
Veteran Spotlight: John Gorski
First Lieutenant John Gorski, Army veteran and a volunteer at Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Hospice NWI in Valparaiso, has dedicated himself to caring for the needs of others. For the past three years, he has worked closely with VNA Hospice NWI’s clients who are veterans by participating in the organization’s We Honor Veterans program and its Vet-to-Vet Cafés. Gorski has many motivations as he volunteers.
#1StudentNWI: Portage’s gratitude, graduation, and two greats
It’s been a long school year for the teachers of Portage Township Schools and it’s finally time to give credit where credit is due. Teacher appreciation week happened during May 6 through May 10 this year, and the smiles on teacher’s faces can speak for themselves.
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Len Clark
A new book, “Teddy and the Gipper: A Fighting Irish Friendship” has captivated readers with its heartwarming tale of friendship, history, and community. Author Len Clark, Ph.D. — a Mobile Journalism Educator and Storyteller, DISC® Consultant and Extreme Leadership Coach and beat reporter for the University of Notre Dame — weaves a magical narrative that celebrates the bonds forged between Notre Dame’s past, present, and future generations.
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Duke Torres
At just 11 years old, Duke Torres has aspirations to become an Olympic gymnast one day. With four years of training and three years of competing so far, he is already on his way to making his dreams a reality.
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Meg Bonta
Meg Bonta picked up a violin for the first time when she was just 5 years old. Now, she not only plays 11 string instruments, she is also the co-founder of SoundTide Music School in Portage.
Growing up in Munster, Bonta attended Andrean High School before pursuing higher education at Valparaiso University where she majored in biochemistry and music. Her original plan was to become an eye doctor. However, during her junior year, she moved her focus towards a career in music.
Veteran Spotlight: Michael Chiarodo
In October of 1966, Michael Chiarodo enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. By January of 1967, he was stationed in Vietnam to serve America in the Vietnam War.
Veteran Spotlight: Rob Anderson
Having spent time in the Army National Guard and Active Duty Army, Rob Anderson decided he preferred military life over civilian life when he got out of the Army. Being medically retired himself, Anderson now encourages his fellow veterans to ask for help and provides support to local veterans with Operation Charlie Bravo (OCB).
Seeking a direction in life, Anderson joined the Army National Guard in 1996 at 17 years old through the Delayed Entry Program. He followed in his friends’ footsteps who had gone to basic training the year prior. Although Anderson’s two grandfathers weren’t talkative about their Army service, he was still inspired by their pictures. Little did he know that becoming a combat engineer for the Army National Guard would define his life.
