Life in the Spotlight

Amanda Alaniz is a wonderful reflection of the Portage community. By day, Alaniz takes care of 8,000 students as a Superintendent, and by night she is a loving wife and mother. She paved the way for other women as the first female Superintendent for...

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” This Henry Adams quote represents Daniel Castaneda's career. “I heard that quote years ago, and it drives me,” Castaneda said. “It reminds me that I help shape...

Lifelong Portage resident Rhonda Nelson believes in her community and has dedicated her time into making it a great place to live. As a retiree, she has spent the past eight years serving on the Portage Township School Board. “I feel our children...

Dr. Michael Stephens has proudly served the students of Portage Township Schools as the Assistant Superintendent since January of 2017. He has always been a part of Portage, having grown up just south of the city. Dr. Stephens is a graduate of...

Technology advances fast, but people are quick to adapt. Not even 10 years ago, radio-controlled helicopters and other drones were largely novelty toys packed under Christmas trees, now it is a multi-million dollar industry led by professional such...

Laura Gaffney has found a way to channel her love for giving back to the community at Portage High School. Gaffney, a part-time school nurse and cheer coach at Portage High School, strives to teach the children of Portage the value of the community....

“I’m a Region boy through and through,” said life-long Northwest Indiana resident Richard Horn. Born in Gary, Richard graduated from Highland High School and then received his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University Calumet and his Masters...

For Portage native Debra Thorn, community starts at school. Debra, who matriculated at Portage High School and Sawyer Business College, has served the students in Portage Township Schools for thirteen years and has been the Media Clerk in the Portage...

Rebecca Belt, a Media Clerk at Portage High School, believes her role in the community has been able to brighten the world and make it a better place. She grew up on the east side of Gary in the Aetna neighborhood, and graduated from Emerson Visual...

One of the best ways to positively impact the community is by leading the future generations and acting as a constant role model to people of all ages. Brenda Charron does all of this and more; as a Scout Leader, Little League Coach, and Track Coach,...