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.
Through more than 20 years of experience in Portage Schools, Vanessa Ellis has learned a lot about what it means to be a substitute teacher. Sure, they step in and cover for the usual teachers and help carry on lessons in their absence, but that’s...
Brianna Manning has had a passion for positively influencing youth for most of her life. As the sports and aquatics director at the Portage Township YMCA, she’s able to help kids and students throughout the community in a number of different ways,...
Portage High School sophomore Macintyre Aldrich keeps two goals in mind as she heads to school each day: “Be positive and try to make other people happy as much as I can,” Aldrich said. “The people in Portage make me feel accepted and...
It doesn’t take much to realize that working at the Portage Township YMCA as the Healthy Living Coordinator means you have to take physical health seriously. Likewise, Britney Mendoza tackles her job with passion and determination. She also teaches...
“You can’t tell anyone this. It’s a little embarrassing. But it’s kind of funny,” said Rolando “Roly” Martinez about what inspired him to be in the business of making people happy. So, of course, we’re going to reveal. Two words: Andy...
“A smile goes a long way.” This old saying embodies two Portage High School custodians’ day-to-day interactions with students passing by. Barbie Evans and her partner in crime Ron Gish have been part of the PHS family for about 22 years, and...
Students have a lot on their plates: academics, social lives, home lives, sports, hobbies, and clubs. It can be a lot for a teenager to handle, and that’s why Portage High School has people like Emily Evans, a school advisor, who does...
Heather Markwell took time out of her Sunday football routine to talk about how growing up in Portage has shaped who she is. Growing up, Markwell was very involved in team sports. She played all-star softball and enjoyed her time on basketball teams....
Portage High School senior Qamille Armour has left her mark on PHS in more ways than one. While her work graces the halls of PHS in mural format, overall, Armour has been a devoted art advocate for as long as she can remember, and her true passion...
Reed Sapp is the former Youth Ministry Pastor at Real Life Community Church and is known for his passion and love for kids and young leaders in the community. Although he is moving to Cincinnati, his impact on the youth in Portage will stick around...