Life in the Spotlight

On June 2 Gwen Mathis graduated high school from Kouts High School (KHS). During the graduation ceremony Mathis did not let the next chapter of her life leave her in tears but in an exuberant amount of excitement for the future.  “It was a sad...

In 2001, Chad Franks started his career in education and in 2008 received certification to be a licensed school administrator. Since Franks was able to walk and talk, he knew deep down he wanted to be an educator so he could help individuals reach...

Dr. Brian Damitz, Foot and Ankle Surgeon, shares what it's like in his daily life as a father, community member and local surgeon: Dr. Damitz grew up in Kokomo, Indiana.  After graduating high school he attended Butler University where he earned a...

Owner and founder of Running Vines Winery in Chesterton and Aftermath Cidery and Winery in Valparaiso, Nicki Caylor is a hard-working woman who hasn’t stopped at anything to see her dreams realized or to see her ambition to start a business seen...

Eric Zavinski is currently the director of marketing and communications at Ivy Tech Community College. Zavinski considered his position a unique one, getting to be the marketing professional for all three Ivy Tech locations which keeps him quite busy...

Craig Lewin became an athletic trainer at Valparaiso High School (VHS) 14 years ago. In those 14 years, Lewin has realized the impact his job has had on his students and just how much he loves his job. Lewin is not only an athletic trainer at VHS; he...

Jay Hanaway has been the auditorium and performance director for Wheeler High School and Union Township Middle School for 11 years. Hanaway grew up in theater where it initially sparked the passion for him that stuck to this day. Theater was a way...

Sara Vega spent her time as a young adult practicing, studying, and perfecting the art of gymnastics. After getting injured her senior year as a level 10 gymnast, she decided that it was her time to be done with the sport, not knowing she would one...

With spring upon us, it's the perfect time to enjoy a stroll or some other fun recreational activities in the park. If you’re living in Valparaiso, Cristina Darr may be part of the reason the parks bring much joy and pleasure to you and your...

Claudia Airey graduated from Indiana University Northwest (IU Northwest) in 2018 and received a degree in communications with a focus in public relations. During her years at IU Northwest, she interned at various places in the Valparaiso area and...