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.
Editor’s note: Miles Mavrovic is pictured on the right. It takes a huge team to keep a school district as big as Portage Township Schools running smoothly. Teachers, administrators, and of course, the students, all have big roles to play. Some,...
If you didn’t know Jason Hostetler when he was growing up it might be hard to imagine him as a quiet, timid person. But that’s just what he was until he entered high school. “Two of my high school English teachers, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Green,...
The face of a school tends to be its teachers, but there’s a whole crew of talented and passionate individuals that help keep the classrooms running. Nathan Ramian, Web Coordinator for Portage Township Schools, is one of those people. Ramian is a...
There is at least one citizen of Portage, Indiana who thinks about the future differently. Ethyl Ruehman has dedicated her life to making sure the future includes two things: care of the planet, and a voice for our youth who will ultimately usher in...
“I am a student of life, and I look forward to new challenges daily.” This is what Sue Soler had to say about working in education. Soler, the Principal of Central Elementary School in Portage, has been in the education...
“Never sell yourself short,” said Gretchen Bishop, Portage High School art teacher and graduate. “Never limit yourself.” Athletics came naturally for Bishop, a three-sport athlete. When her best friend asked if she’d sign up to take a...
Drew Rhoda has been around music his entire life, so it seemed he was destined to make it a career in some way. Since playing instruments starting in fifth grade, to now teaching music at Portage High School, Rhoda’s life...
This year, Aylesworth Elementary welcomed a new principal – Taria Taylor. She is a 15-year veteran in education, and never really imagined herself doing anything else. “I have wanted to be an educator for practically my whole...
The hit TV show “Chopped” and its sister kid friendly version “Chopped Junior” are two Region favorites, probably in part because 11--year-old Portage native Justice Irving has taken “Chopped Junior” by storm. Appearing on Season 9,...
Editor's note: James Kirk is in the middle in this feature photo “You always got to keep dreaming bigger!” This is what James Kirk had to say about reaching goals and elevating his aspirations to new heights. An engineering and technology teacher...