Northern 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 Northern Indiana.
Portage native Tina Vaclavik has found her passion for helping others through her work in nursing. Currently working at Methodist Hospital’s Gary location, Vaclavik has spent almost three decades in the field and absolutely loves what she does each...
With 38 years in education, Bonnie Guest is a cherished mentor throughout Northwest Indiana and is known for her commitment to students, families, and the community. She has become a passionate advocate for children’s education, particularly in...
For Kara Thornberry, teaching was more than a career choice. From an early age, she knew that the classroom was where she wanted to be. She would often play "school" with friends and siblings growing up, eventually leading to her lifelong...
For David and Debra “Deb” Pratt, teaching isn’t just a profession — it’s a shared passion that has defined their lives and careers at Purdue University Northwest (previously Purdue University North Central). Deb Pratt started her journey at...
A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Ken Bult Ken Bult considers himself a renaissance man doused in the arts. Music, literature and photography have been at the forefront of Bult’s professional and personal life, even in retirement. He wants to...
Chris Morrison wears many hats at Purdue University Northwest (PNW), where he served as the former secretary of the Westville Warriors and former treasurer of S.H.I.N.E., a student-led organization dedicated to spreading positivity and kindness. An...
Being positive and spreading kindness are free. Making an impact on others is enough of a reward for Vaughn Rael-Kludt. The student-athlete wants to be remembered by his teammates, friends, family and strangers as the easygoing, faith-driven person...
Facing someone on the wrestling mat or breaking school records in running is Madi Mikels’ way of letting go and connecting with others. The decorated three-sport athlete believes hard work with intent goes a long way and must be ongoing to be the...
Going out of his way to help others goes beyond Mike Eckhardt’s duty as a first responder. It’s a lifestyle for the firefighter paramedic who believes in helping out his fellow countrymen because he should, and he thinks everyone else should,...
Becoming a leader doesn’t always come naturally, but this doesn’t make the leadership any less impactful. Jiselle Chabes is pushed by her family and past experiences to continue becoming the person she needs to be for herself and her teammates....