Youngster proves he knows his way around a map

When 9-year-old Sander Owens saw Alex Trebek hosting the 2012 National Geographic Bee on TV, he knew he had to be a part of it.

Nonprofit director starts tutoring program to fight poverty

Northwest Indiana native Jordan Hestermann strives to find solutions to poverty as director and founder of nonprofit organization Becoming We the People.

Munster teacher and coach receives Americanism Award

EAST CHICAGO | American Legion Post 369 recently presented its Americanism Award to James Colias.

Senior takes on leadership role, plans teaching career

Crete resident Ariel Merritt is flourishing as a student at Luther East High School in Lansing.

Purdue Calumet professor recognized as top researcher

Professor and Head of Purdue University Calumet’s Department of Communication and Creative Arts Yahya Kamalipour recently received the 2013 Information and Telecommunications Education and Research Association's Researcher of the Year Award.

Faith and music shared with community by Gleaner award winner

Peggy Hendricks, of Lowell, was recently presented with the Senior Community Award by the Hawthorne Arbor of Gleaners in Lowell.

Young leader headed for career in biomedical engineering

Brandon Woods, 18, was recently honored by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars for his commitment to the ideas of scholarship, leadership and service.

BNI alumna named Outstanding Senior at St. Mary's College

NOTRE DAME | St. Mary’s College has bestowed this year’s Outstanding Senior Award on Silvia Cuevas, of Hammond. Senior class president, Cuevas is a business administration major with concentrations in finance and international business. She received her recognition at the Alumnae-Senior Cham…

Firefighter honored for teaching and reaching out to children

Schererville firefighter Christine Graf received state recognition recently when she received the Achievement of Excellence Award in Indianapolis, presented by the state Operation Lifesaver Program and CN Railroad.

Housing board names Gary official interim director

The Board of the Directors for the Gary Housing Authority recently named Mary Cossey as interim director.

Become a resident tourist, tour guide

Children splash in the water along the Lake Michigan shoreline at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's Mount Baldy.

High school senior finds helping others is its own reward

Illiana Christian High School senior Ciara Swan was chosen as Lansing Rotary Club’s March Student of the Month for her high grades and participation in Christian Service Club.

Daughter's essay is a unique Mother's Day gift

Cara Eklund is a 10-year-old fourth-grader at Homan Elementary School in Schererville. She was given a school assignment to write a story, and her response was a tribute to her mother that is most appropriate as Mother's Day approaches Sunday.

Sibling inspired by brother to start miltary support group

Nicole Wills, of Dyer, dedicates herself to ensuring that soldiers receive a piece of home through her group, Northwest Indiana Supports Our Soldiers.

Door to Hall of Fame opens for 5

CROWN POINT | The Crown Point High School Alumni Association recently honored one teacher and four alumni.

Munster native will spend summer on Bike and Build odyssey

Munster native Amanda Schulte has begun training for what is perhaps the longest bicycle ride she will ever take.

Active TF South senior headed to college with top grades

Jessica Newenhouse, 18, was recently chosen as Lansing Rotary Student of the Month.

No rest for busy volunteer with dogs and horses

Lisa Way, of Hobart, is someone who wants to make a difference in her community.

Top scholar looks to add leadership skills to her resume`

Macy Margherio, 12, is looking forward to building leadership and social advocacy skills when she travels to Washington, D.C., in August for the Junior National Young Leaders Conference.

Quilter enjoys the learning experience as she creates

Crete resident Judy Tucker is quickly becoming a leader in the quilting community, having been selected as a semifinalist at the 2013 American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek competition in Lancaster, Penn.