It’s not everyday that you get to sit down with a cancer survivor, a military veteran, a change-maker in the community, or a thriving high school student and get a look into what it’s like to live in their shoes. By sitting down with the members of this Region, we’re able to learn a bit more about their experiences, and also what makes them so great to have around.
It’s special moments like these that we are particularly proud to share on the GreatNews.Life sites, including Life in the Spotlights, Survivor Series, Veteran Spotlight, Leadership Life, City in the Spotlight, Voices, and more.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 feature articles on Valpo.Life to recap the good news in 2022!
#1StudentNWI: Boone Grove High School excited to kick off the new year with fun events and activities
Boone Grove High School (BGHS) has officially wrapped up the fall semester that led the students and staff into a much-needed winter break. Before the break started, there was a lot that happened.
Students worked very hard during and even after school hours to prepare for their finals. On top of that, students from the choir department put in many long hours full of hard work to set up, successfully put on three wonderful performances, and take down all of the beautiful decorations for its madrigal performance. The guests could truly see the amount of time and effort that was put into this performance.
#1StudentNWI: New year, new beginnings at the Porter County Career and Technical Center
With the passing of holidays in recent weeks, the Porter County Career and Technical Center (PCCTC) participated in the season of giving. PCCTC held a food drive for Hilltop Neighborhood House. Hilltop Neighborhood House is an organization in Valparaiso on 460 South College Avenue. The organization provides full-time education and year-round childcare, a food pantry, and after-school programs.
“Hilltop Neighborhood House empowers the community and strengthens families by providing a place to learn, grow, and belong,” stated Hilltop Neighborhood Houses' website.
Cancer Survivor Series: Rachel Walker
Rachel Walker is no stranger to cancer. Having multiple family members who have had breast cancer before her, Walker monitored her health by getting examined regularly. In the process of preparing for a preventative surgery in 2020, Walker was informed that she had developed cancer.
“Cancer, breast cancer specifically, runs in my family. I have had a number of biopsies. Everything had always come out clear. I decided probably about three years ago that instead of continuing with screenings every six months with lots of worry, I would go ahead and plan a prophylactic mastectomy, which is a mastectomy performed so that you would avoid getting cancer by having your breasts removed,” said Walker. “In that process, there were a few steps to the surgeries. In the first step, I actually had surgery before the mastectomy to prepare for it. They found cancer. It happens less than 1% of the time.”
#1StudentNWI: Morgan Soccer kicks off the season to a ferocious start
Over the past few weeks, both the boys and girls Morgan Township High School (MTHS) soccer teams have kicked the season off to a ferocious start.
The MTHS girls soccer team has made a few changes to the dynamic of its team including switching around positions and introducing a fierce new coach. Coaches Mel Parker, Michelle Smith, and new this year, Coach Jancy are determined to turn the girls’ soccer program around with hopes of making it through sectionals for the first time ever.
#1StudentNWI: Laughing it up at Valparaiso High School
The Valparaiso High School (VHS) Drama Club blew the audience out of their seats once again with another can’t miss comedy performance. The annual ‘VHS Mocha Madness Improv Show’ took place February 24 to 27. No two shows were alike due to the randomness of audience participation and student imagination.
“Having the chance to use my imagination is something I really look forward to," said Junior Evyenia Lawely.
Veteran Spotlight: Robert “Bob” Brabbs
While most of his peers were finishing up high school or working in the mills, Robert “Bob” Brabbs was enlisting in the military. Brabbs decided to enlist in the Navy at just 17 years old, and his decision led him to become a high-ranking officer in only four years.
“Everybody was working in factories or the mills, and I just didn't want to do that. I figured I'd go in there and learn a trade,” said Brabbs.
#1StudentNWI: Washington Township’s exciting end of the school year
May has been an exceptionally busy month for the students of Washington Township High School, with award ceremonies, prom, and the end of the regular season for baseball, softball, and track.
Although the regular track season has ended, Olivia Martinez and Claire Horvath will be continuing their track seasons. Martinez placed second for long jump and Horvath placed first for high jump at sectionals, so both will continue onto the state competition.
#1StudentNWI: Welcoming summer in Kouts, Indiana
The Pleasant Township Pool celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sunday, May 29, 2022. This was the first day of the 2022 pool season and the only day where visitors could get into the pool for free. The celebration lasted from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. that night.
The afternoon started with the Kouts High School Band playing the national anthem, followed by the remembrance of the founders who gathered to fund a pool, so children could learn to swim. Afterward, the lifeguards were given a countdown to be the first to enter the pool, then the open swim began.
A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Carlos Rivero
Owning the only Spanish restaurant in Indiana would be one thing, but Valparaiso resident Carlos Rivero sees his restaurant Don Quijote as much more.
To Rivero, Don Quijote is a place where our community can relax with loved ones, enjoy good food and wine, and support each other.
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.
