Life in the Spotlight

Holly Wells has built a life rooted in creativity and connection in Valparaiso. Most importantly, she is dedicated to helping others feel heard and cared for. Wells grew up in the Valparaiso area, attending Valparaiso High School. She spent some time in …

Benjamin “Ben” and Katelyn Leonard-White started Regional Performing Arts Company, a children’s community theatre, in Portage. In addition to founding the Performing Arts Center, Ben serves as the producer and treasurer, while Katelyn serves as the …

Elkhart High School’s Junior Varsity softball team just got a new head coach, and while Haley Masten might be new to the position, she’ll need no introduction to the team.   Masten, who accepted the role as head coach this year, is bringing …

Photo by Vanessa Hein Photography Natasha Boyd, freelance hair stylist and founder of Crown Point’s Beauty House on Main, has spent the last 15 years honing her skills and chasing her ambitions in the beauty industry. Early in life, Boyd discovered her …

Portage Pop Warner has become a haven for community youth to participate in sports and learn the value of teamwork. It could not run without President Jared Grabill. Portage Pop Warner makes a tremendous difference within the community; around 200 athletes …

When Zander and Jenna Rubio were high school students, they knew each other as acquaintances from band and their shared French class at Wheeler High School. On a school trip to Germany and France, they grew a little closer. Jenna likes to tell people they …

The Michiana area has welcomed a new face to its community with open arms. Myleigh Weaver is a student who has a desire to expand her knowledge and hopefully change the world one day. Growing up in a farming family, Weaver has lived her entire life in …

Kayla Swanson is thriving today. A wife, a mother, fully employed – you’d never know that years ago she never imagined the life she has now, yet alone being alive. “It’s been a rocky road, but like I say, ‘I do everything on His strength,’” …

About 12 years ago, Sammi Jo Boshaw found herself without a stylist at the most inopportune time — the morning of her wedding day. After being hit last minute with a cancellation, Boshaw herself had to step in to make sure the day continued on as planned …

With 40 years of experience as an educator, Julie Teixeira knows that teaching now has changed a lot since she started. Through it all, she has consistently had one rule for her classroom: respect. “I have a piece of advice I give to new teachers,” …