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.

Senior takes on leadership role, plans teaching career

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

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.

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.

Young teacher belongs in a classroom helping students grow

Luther East High School teacher Michael Gonya showed teaching potential even as a student at that very same Lansing school.

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.

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.

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.

Veteran teacher makes history come alive for her students

Veteran teacher Paula Etheridge was recently recognized by the Archdiocese of Chicago and presented with the Heart of the School Award for her innovation and creativity in the classroom.

Active TF South senior headed to college with top grades

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

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.

Teen hopes to share stories through theater career

Jon DeVries, 18, is excited to be named 2013 valedictorian at Illiana Christian High School in Lansing.

Young teacher giving back to his school by living his faith

Steven Ferguson, 24, is relishing his new teaching position at Luther East High School in Lansing.

Top student enjoys sharing her talents with others

Illiana Christian High School student Kayla VanderWall enjoys using her talents to help those in need.

Outstanding Senior from Purdue headed to medical school

Dyer resident Lauren Rigg was recently chosen as this year's Outstanding Senior for the School of Health Sciences in the College of Health and Human Science at Purdue University, West Lafayette.

Cedar Lake native and PU grad flying high as engineering exec

A love of airplanes has propelled Cedar Lake native Mark Burgess to a successful career at Boeing, and recently earned him recognition from Purdue University.

Volleyball ace looks toward career helping others

Shanya Smith, of Calumet City, is using her love of helping others to prepare for a career in social work and special education.

RSVP coordinator matches retirees with volunteer groups

Michael Glorioso’s enthusiasm and work ethic has led him to a fulfilling career as a United Way Retired and Senior Volunteer Program coordinator in Valparaiso.

Teen ready for cultural shift as exchange student to Japan

Sariah Germain, 16, will visit the country of her dreams when she travels to Japan in August through an AFS-USA international exchange program.

Senior eyes career that will provide the fuel for auto racing

Jacob Linkiewicz, of Calumet City, is looking forward to a successful career as a pipefitter.

DeMotte bike woman offers more than just a ride

In 2012, DeMotte resident Jennifer Geiselman began repurposing donated bicycles, and her charitable work, Bikes for Kids, is beginning to catch the attention of her community.

Dance and drama drive senior to success in high school and beyond

Portage High School student Rachel Stewart is one of 20 incoming freshmen accepted to Ball State University’s Dance Performance program as a result of her talent and dedication to the art.

Youngster enjoys testing her swimming and triathlon skills

Marina Ahner, 13, enjoys pushing her body to the limit, both in the water and on land.

Bangladesh internship influences young fashion designer

Attention to detail and a broad world view led Dominican University apparel design student Megan Strong to receive a $5,000 scholarship from Fashion Group International of Chicago.

Middle schooler strives to be a leader in life

Dennis Kenneally was one of 350 middle school students chosen from across the country to attend the National Young Leaders State Conference in Indianapolis last month.

Teen successfully juggles academics, music and more

John Kooyenga’s personable nature and outstanding grades have earned him Student of the Month recognition from the Lansing Rotary Club.

SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Quirky Threadz Inc., Schererville

When mother of three Vanessa Amanatidis felt she needed a creative outlet, she turned to fashion design and began embellishing clothes for her girls.

Counseling students and families spells success for grad student

Dyer resident Amanda Perniciaro is well on her way to becoming a school guidance counselor, having finished an internship in December at Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City.

Veteran swim instructor takes the reins at YMCA

Merrillville resident Susan Colvin is bringing decades of swimming experience to her new position as Aquatics Coordinator at the Portage Township YMCA, 3100 Willowcreek Road.

Young chemistry teacher selected for mentoring program

Griffith resident Katelin Muesing is looking forward to enhancing her knowledge and confidence in the classroom with her recent selection as an Astellas-NSTA Fellow in the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy.

Mission trip is valuable experience for college student

Wheatfield native Dirk Oudman used his recent mission trip to gain valuable experience for his future career as an environmental lobbyist.

Art, language studies interest Lansing teen

Alexa Van Beek, 18, is hoping to forge a successful career as a graphic designer.

Baseball and academics drive senior to excel

Lansing resident Alex Schell has his outstanding grades and athletic ability to thank for his selection as January Student of the Month by the Lansing Rotary Club.

College service projects prepare coed for teaching career

Munster native Alexa Groen is gaining valuable leadership skills at Dordt College through the Sioux Center, Iowa school’s AMOR service projects.

Gary native in the driver's seat after winning TV vocal competition

One audition propelled Gary native Glen Kimble ll from a maintenance supervisor to a singing sensation.

New child care coordinator was meant to be an educator

Abbie Prasco, 24, fulfilled a childhood dream in January when she became the newest Child Care and Development Center coordinator at the Portage Township YMCA, 3100 Willowcreek Road.

Teen hopes to change the nation as a mechanical engineer

Gary resident Jada Davis is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a mechanical engineer.

Spanish teacher follows in her mother's footsteps

Alison Martinez is bringing energy and youth into the classroom in her new role as Spanish teacher at Luther East High School in Lansing.

Everything comes up roses for teen musician at parade

Ellen Chmura, 17, received the opportunity of a lifetime when she was selected to perform with the Bands of America Honor Band in January at the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

PUC prof volunteers her time to care for cats

Anastasia Trekles enjoys making a difference as the newest board president of the Independent Cat Society, a no-kill cat shelter in Westville.

SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Woof life offers unique, nutritious pet food

CROWN POINT | Leslie Cook aims to provide dogs and cats superior nutrition with her Crown Point shop, Woof Life.

Award winner excels in academics and athletics

Austin Qualizza, 17, was recently named a Region Sports Network and Indiana University Northwest Academic All-Star Award winner, recognizing his hard work in the classroom and on the golf course.

Teen looks to the future as an environmental scientist

Lansing teenager Kevin Quealy hopes his future efforts in researching alternative energy will improve the environment for future generations.

Homeless dogs have a friend in rescue coordinator

Ashley Hill, 21, enjoys seeing homeless animals become cherished members of a family as the dog coordinator at rescue agency Lakeshore PAWS.

VNA nurse dedicated to her patients for 30+ years

As a nurse, Debbie Hanna has seen the birth of a new life and has held the hand of one who is ending life.

Artist enjoys teaching students how to express their feelings

Sharon Burrink has held a passion for art since winning a coloring contest in Sunday school, and now enjoys passing on her talent to the next generation.

Officer has spent a dozen years keeping his community safe

Officer James Ghrist, 34, enjoys helping keep his community safe through his position as Drug Abuse Resistance Education and Crime Prevention Officer with the Munster Police Department.