As 2011 comes to a close, we are looking back at some of the most popular stories about all the good happening in this community!
We’ve shared over 1,200 stories in the ValpoLife Community Section over the past year, with good news from organizations serving others, students excelling in academics, families growing closer, and so much more!
It’s never been easier to share your good news with us; all it takes is a quick note to share@valpolife.com to get started! We want to hear about the non-profit feeding needy families or the second graders reaching high scores in the spelling bee. Tell us about your church hosting a community get-together or share a fun outing that your family recently took!
In the meantime, take a look at some of the great stories that have made up the ValpoLife Community Section in 2011!
Susie Brown Gebhardt shared an amazing, Christmas miracle story with us: during an annual pilgrimage to the Pittsburgh Steelers game, her husband Jay collapsed from what was later discovered to be 100% blockage in his right coronary artery, restricting his blood flow entirely, sending him into a paralytic coma while fighting for his life. Due to the fast actions of a store clerk, a bystander, Emergency Responders, and Mercy Hospital, Jay pulled through and due to "angels among us", the family received excellent care and support. Read the heartwarming story is sure to tug at your heartstrings!
VHS Banding Together to Support One of Their Own- Bryon Duncan
At the start of this year's football season, VHS Senior Bryon Duncan experienced a great injury, landing him in multiple surgeries. The community has banded together to help financially support Bryon, as he recovers and completes his high school courses online with the help of tutors. "Bryon Duncan has been a part of our Viking family and Valparaiso Football program for many years. His dedication and commitment to this sport has been very compelling. This injury has created a setback in his career as a football player and as an athlete at Valparaiso High School. We the football team and the coaches are giving support financially and support with our prayers and love for a speedy recovery," stated Coach Hoffman.
Valparaiso Diversity Network Association Unity Day Celebration
Unity in diversity has been experienced a huge push over the past year, with members of the community joining together to embrace the diverse mix of races, cultures and backgrounds that make up Valparaiso. A celebration was held in early spring, featuring local bands performing, art from local artists on display, and community members sharing stories of the importance of inclusion in the community.
America’s Female Firefighter Calendar to Feature Local Firefighter Stephanie McKinley Hart
America's Female Firefighter Inc, a non for profit organization, chose 12 women firefighters nationwide to appear in their next calendar, which raises funds to benefit burn survivors across the US and educate about fire safety and treatment of burn injuries. Local firefighter Stephanie McKinley Hart was chosen to appear in the calendar, as she exemplifies good health, fitness and moral character, and is dedicated to her profession. This honor allows the ladies to help give back and make a difference across the nation!
2 for Tuesday: What Makes You Happy?
We love to hear from our readers and often will ask them to share what's on their mind. One of our favorites is 2 for Tuesday: 2 things you are happy about 2day. There's lots to be thankful for and taking a moment to reflect on those things can often change a dreary day to one of sunshine. We had a great response and would love to hear what 2 things you are happy about!
PCCTC Class to Broadcast VHS Class of 2011 Graduation Live on ValpoLife.com!
Graduation is one of our favorite events and with the help of the Porter County Career Center, we were able to broadcast the Class of 2011's graduation live on ValpoLife! The broadcast made it possible for out-of-town relatives and others who could not attend the ceremony to share in the excitement that day. The students in the Video and Media Productions class are very talented, hardworking kids, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience during their time at the Career Center.
Purdue University North Central Fall 2010 Honor Roll
Speaking of students, our local universities are chock full of hard workers and it shows from the honor roll list at Purdue North Central. These top-notch students are working very hard to achieve their goals and we salute them for their efforts!
One Less Thing: Would You Put It Back?
Heather Novack shared with us about discarding greed in our lives and making an effort to buy one less thing and use that money to help better someone else's life. What a call to action! Can you accept her challenge in putting one thing back?
Between the Stacks: May and June 2011
A financially-strapped economy leads to us looking for fun that is cheap or free. Our local libraries are chock full of free entertainment- books, movies, CDs - and also are home to many events, social gatherings, and educational classes. The Porter County Library System sends out a regular newsletter that highlights upcoming programs, featured books, great workers, and other news. Stay up to date with the library and save money, don't spend, and support your local library!
Porter County Career and Technical Education News Vol 17, Issue 7
As mentioned earlier, the students at the Career Center are majorly talented. And we just love to brag about them by posting their newsletters and sharing with our readers what the kids are up to, from attending conferences to mentoring middle school kids and hosting food drives.