Claire Kenney

Yolanda Matthews is the director of Learning Tree Academy and has worked there for 2 years. She is a selfless leader and loves watching others grow. “I love seeing the children at Learning Tree Academy grow,” she said. “Being a director, I get to see …

Vernon “Vern” Strege was known throughout his life as tinkerer, someone who solved problems and loved to create, an engineer. At the age of 93, he was awarded a US patent for an internal combustion engine design. “He had thought about the idea for …

Major Steven Green has a 20-year military career. A Purdue University alum, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1980 immediately after graduating and earning his bachelor’s degree. “From there, my first duty assignment was as a combat support …

As a family medicine physician, Dr. Samantha Agar provides care for patients across their lifespan, from newborns to older adults, serving the entire family. Originally from Canada, Dr. Agar completed most of her education there before continuing her medical …

Sunset Hill has a long-standing and iconic history dating back over 100 years. It was first established by local businessman Robert Heffron Murray in 1881. A young entrepreneur, Murray originally started the farm as a way to acquire and improve local land …

Steve Santana has 31 years experience in education. This experience includes teaching, coaching, and leading administrative efforts. “I’ve been with La Porte Community School Corporation for 27 years,” he said. “This includes 16 years as La Porte High …

Arlene Moore is a lifelong resident of Portage. She attended Jones Elementary School, Willowcreek Middle School, and Portage High School. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Purdue University Northwest in Westville. Today, Moore is …

For months, Michelle Veld put off going to the doctor despite having a lot of pain. When Veld decided to go to the doctor, the first doctor she saw told her she was fine. This was despite x-rays and a thorough exam. “I knew I wasn’t fine,” she said …

Kevin Zwiers is the business development director for Midwest Center for Youth and Families. “The reason I got into mental health is because I wanted to be an advocate for those that either have a voice that gets pushed in the corner or a voice that …

Captain Ed’s Furniture in Michigan City has been a family-run and family-owned company for decades. Ed Beutner’s parents originally named it Quality TV because it sold televisions only. “The company was started by my parents,” Beutner said. “Since …