Life in the Spotlight

Barker Middle School teacher Amy Hamann has won multiple awards for her dedication and work. She’s gone above and beyond time and time again, seeking additional resources for her students and supporting their endeavors. Hamann recently entered the …

Even when traveling to San Francisco for the Super Bowl or St. Louis for Purdue basketball, Greg Braggs Jr., host of CHGO Sports’ Chicago Bears podcast and founder of “Braggs In The Stands,” considers himself a proud region rat. Born and raised in Crown …

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 …

Megan Erwin is a true Hoosier, and as chief of staff to the mayor’s office for the City of Elkhart, she also supports true Hoosiers. Erwin is a busy woman these days, and the goalpost is always moving. As chief of staff, her day-to-day operations are spent …

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 …

After several years working in healthcare, Britney Nawracaj felt it was time to make a career shift into the field of preschool education. Though her new career is just beginning, she knows in her heart that this is what she’s meant to do. Nawracaj grew up …

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 …

It’s been a chilly stretch in Northwest Indiana, but Julie Scollard is working to bring a bit of summer glow back to the Region — one spray tan at a time. From her home-based studio in St. John, Scollard owns and operates Sun Kissed Tan, an …

PEGGS Diner has been serving up smiles, reliable hospitality, and consistently delicious food in the South Bend community for the last 25 years. Peg Dalton, owner and operator, has placed family above all and community engagement at the forefront of her …

In the Summer of 2023, just one week into retirement, Barb Michalos did what few would do; she accepted another job. Michalos turned her retirement and a newfound, more relaxed schedule into a quest for opportunity. She kept her hands on the pulse, opting to …