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.
Sometimes, an individual chooses to go above and beyond the requirements of the job description. For 26 years, Kathy Schroll, the principal’s secretary at Coolspring Elementary School in Michigan City, has been doing just that. Not only does she...
For individuals like Phyllis Stark, teaching is more than a job – it’s a calling. When it comes to answering that call, Stark has truly gone above and beyond: she has amassed over 45 years of teaching experience with Michigan City Area Schools...
Bob James, math teacher and retired football coach, is truly a driven individual. Whether he is guiding his team to victory on the football field or instructing his students on a particular concept in the classroom, James is ready to step up to the...
“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” So goes the title of the classic Dr. Suess book. Whether it be by plane, bus, or car, and for Michael Noland especially, the train, the possibilities are endless here in northwest Indiana. As president of the South...
For almost three years, Erik Nelson, workforce development coordinator at the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP), has been forging important professional connections between people and organizations in the La Porte community. LEAP is a...
Tina Orr loves her community and makes sure she is a big part of it. She works hard every day to make sure community members with disabilities aren’t looked down on or forgotten by providing life-changing services and activities and by advocating...
For 57 years, Westville-based veterinarian Dr. Carol Bloom has devoted her life to ensuring the animals in the area – both large and small – receive the care they deserve. However, being a veterinarian is much more than a mere occupation to...
Jenilee Haynes-Peterson, the Director of Grants & Development Operations at the La Porte County Family YMCA, feels that she has received so much from her community that she decided to dedicate her life and career to returning the favor. Not only...
Individuals who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others tend to find it a most rewarding endeavor. This has been the case for Mary Wright, an American Sign Language interpreter who has been in the business for over 40 years. Wright...
Lifelong La Porte County local Nicole Calvin-Stewart makes sure she always gives back to the community. She grew up in Michigan City, where she attended Elston Senior High School and graduated in 1983. She then went to college at Southwestern...