The features section on Valpo.Life is one of the most popular, giving you insight into some of the most incredible happenings in the area, including #1StudentNWI articles, Life in the Spotlights, Survivor Series, Leadership Life, City in the Spotlights, Great News Weekly shows, and 10 Fun Things To Do. We’ve learned a lot from the students, community members, survivors, and more who trust us to share their stories, and 2021 would not have been the same without them all.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 feature articles from Valpo.Life in 2021:
Five traits of effective leaders
I’ve found five core things that determine if a leader will be successful long-term. I hope I demonstrate all five, the fact that I’m always working on it and never self-assured I’ve arrived is probably a good thing.
A day in the life of a Flanagin Fairy
Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday morning in September and you made your way to downtown Valparaiso for the annual Popcorn Festival. You’re sitting along the street, surrounded by an energetic crowd, watching each of the floats pass with enthusiasm for the next. The smell of fresh corn is in the air and you’re drinking something refreshing. You look down the road and see a group of colorful fairies, carrying wands and sporting wings that are glittering and sparkling with every step. They are the Flanagin’s Fairies, and they’re here to spread kindness and magic to all.
Make it a great day, for yourself and others
I had this guy I used to work with probably a decade or so ago who used to say “make it a great day” all the time. It was even in the closing of his emails; it was something he did with great intention.
I was curious about it, so I made a point to get to know him. He thought, as I do now, that the choices we make every day determine how we’ll see the events of the day and whether we happen to life or life happens to us.
Cancer Survivor Series: Susan Green Culler
In July of 2004, Susan Green Culler discovered a lump in her breast. She was young, just 33, and decided to get advice from her mother. Together, they decided Culler should wait until her upcoming physical in September rather than making a new appointment and keep an eye on the lump for the time being.
Survivor Series: Ekaterina Hatzikostantis
In November of 2015, Ekaterina Hatzikostantis and her family faced something that no family expects, but everyone dreads all the same.
“I kept throwing up at the same time every day. The doctor said, ‘it’s just stress,’” said Hatzikostantis.
#1StudentNWI: Kouts High School prepares for summer break
The Kouts High School Track & Field season has recently come to an end. The team has accomplished good things this year as the girls placed first at the Porter County Conference (PCC) tournament, and the boys placed third. No matter what place the team is in, though, they all keep their team spirit high and have fun while competing.
#1StudentNWI: Morgan Township recognizes student for being chosen in the Porter County Career Center Technical Honor Society
This month, a handful of students were inducted into the Porter County Career Center Technical Honor Society. These students included Nick Bobinski, Sydney Good, Alexander Gring, Ethan Lesko, Sidney Moore, Lanie Ruf, Maya Vickrey, and Tate Wilson.
The importance of having mentors throughout your lifetime – not just as a young adult
I was in my early-to-mid 30’s when I was trusted with the top spot for IT in my former employer, a healthcare system, and I was 38 when I was named vice president for my current health system.
I worked hard to earn this position, came up quick, and still have a lot of learning and growing to do. The journey will never be done, and I still make and learn from mistakes all the time.
A heart-felt reflection on five years of All About The Girls
I remember holding my note cards with my hands shaking in front of a crowd of 50 people the first year of AATG. By year 5, I was standing in front of 300-plus people with a lot fewer jitters. It’s amazing how things come full circle as we reach the two-month anniversary of the 5th annual All About the Girls event. I am lucky to know the women who have participated over the years because they are so powerful, helpful, and encouraging, and I think these connections are not something that every woman gets to experience. Each year has its own personality and identity mirroring each strong and warmhearted woman who has spoken or attended.
#1StudentNWI: Wheeler High School prioritizes community in challenging times
With COVID-19 cases on the rise, many holiday charity events have had to be cancelled in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. This year, the “Lunch with Santa” program was cancelled in order to keep children safe during the pandemic. Several other events such as the clothing drive and food collection were also cancelled. Wheeler High School did not want this holiday season to pass without doing everything in their power to give these children the celebration they deserve.