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.
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....
The arts and music are important in education and community engagement. José Moreno believes in the power of music, and as the president of Portage LIVE!, he’s determined to highlight Portage as a hidden musical gem. As a young child in the 1960s,...
Pictured: Dana Kurzawinski (left) and Toni Casson (right) Creating a family-oriented environment where children can express themselves freely is the essence of Toni’s Dance Academy. Dana Kurzawinski has been fueling this dream for several decades,...
A passion for children receiving a good education drives Shelby Davis to be a teacher who helps her students succeed academically and behaviorally. No matter what they choose to do after they leave school, Davis wants her students to know she’s...
A community can only be as strong and compassionate as its members. Jake Monhaut is impacted by his personal recovery journey to help those who are battling with addiction and make the city of Portage safer. Monhaut took the leap to become a member...
Amidst the bittersweet emotions of becoming a senior in school, Natalie Robinson continues to make a lasting, welcoming impression on her teammates and classmates. Robinson, a senior on Marquette Catholic High School’s Girls Basketball team, is...
Faith, family, and community guide Ed Lipowski in life and in his new role as the head of Portage Christian School. Lipowski knows he wouldn’t be the man he is today without God’s plan and the support of his wife and four children. Lipowski had a...