March deadline set for Gary superintendent search
The Gary Community School Corp. has set a March 9 deadline for those interested in becoming the district’s next superintendent beginning July 1, according to a release.
A successful candidate will demonstrate past leadership in educational systems within a diverse community; possess a track record of building productive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, communities, and partners; exhibit superior communication and management
skills; document fiscal acumen in a district setting; success working with political leaders; and exhibit an unmatched commitment to equity for all students and families, according to the release.
Interested persons should apply at www.bwpassociates.com/searches.
For additional information, contact BWP search consultants: Debra Hill, dhill@bwpassociates.com; Anne Noland, anoland@bwpassociates.com; and Marcus Alexander, marcusalexander2@hotmail.com.
Leadership Institute, Innovators announce Women on the Rise
The Leadership Institute and the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest (PNW) have announced the 2024 Northwest Indiana Women on the Rise honorees, according to a release.
The annual Northwest Indiana Women on the Rise list includes leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who are making an impact across Northwest Indiana. The women will be recognized from 4:30-6:30 p.m. March 21 at the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex on Purdue University Northwest’s branch campus in Westville, the release said.
For ticket information, visit pnw.edu/soi or reach out to the Society of Innovators at societyofinnovators@pnw.edu.
The 2024 Northwest Indiana Women on the Rise are: Samantha Bean, Director of Marketing and Communications, Porter County Community Foundation; Felicia Blakely, Executive Pastor, President and Founder, Diamonds & Pearls Mentorship for Girls and High Praise Outreach
Ministries; Whitney Bradshaw, curator, Lubeznik Center for the Arts; Julie Dessauer, owner and operator, Papa Farm Pizza; Sara E. DeYoung, Executive Director, Jasper County Economic Development Organization; Emmani Ellis, COO, IronWorkz Corp., and CEO, No Limit Living
LLC; Liliana Franco López, Operations Director, Economic Development Corp., Michigan City; Kylee Fraze Norman, partner, CLH, CPAs and Consultants; Amy Fry, Ph.D, RN, Dean, College of Nursing, Purdue University Northwest; Nicky Ali Jackson, Ph.D., Professor of Criminal Justice
and Executive Director of the Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance, Purdue University Northwest; Gretchen Kalk-Castro, partner, CLH, CPAs and Consultants; Beverly Mack-Martin, founder and Director of Development, The Midwest Minority Consortium for Alternative Energy Solutions; Joellen Matzat, co-owner and operator, Lewellen Blooms; Imani Mayo, Director of Aging Services, Northwest Indiana Community Action; Melissa Mitchell, CEO, HealthLinc Inc.; Meg Piercy, owner, MegMade; Faith N. Spencer, founder and CEO, IronWorkz Corp.; Jacqueline Thomas, president, South Shore Public Relations; Darien Thompson, Director of Student Success and Urban Engagement, Purdue University Northwest; Catisha Toney, President and CEO, Coates Inc.; Becca Tuholski, Local Food Access Coordinator, NWI Food Council; Shannon Walker, Vice President, Unity Foundation of La Porte County; Jen Yednak, owner and Cake Designer, Jen’s Gourmet Cakes; and Gianna Zyla, manager, Asset
and Risk Management, NiSource.
Gary NAACP youth to host awards Feb. 17
The youth of the NAACP Gary ACT-SO program will host its annual free Talent Extravaganza Junior Image Awards beginning at 4 p.m. Feb. 17 at Indiana University Northwest, Savannah Center, located at 3400 Broadway in Gary, according to a release.
The Junior Image Awards is a celebration of excellence and achievement, showcasing the accomplishments of young scholars in various categories, the release said. The ACT-SO program is also designed to be a learning experience for participants complete with a mentorship component. Students work with ACT-SO mentors who help them develop their projects throughout the year virtually and in person, the release said.
Sponsorship and youth vendor opportunities are available.
For more information, email jeanapaynelaurie@gmail.com or visit www.naacpgary.org.
VU professor explores education through gaming
Martin Buinicki, professor of English at Valparaiso University has been appointed the next Richard P. Baepler Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, according to a release.
The four-year professorship, which will begin Aug. 1, is a rotating appointment honoring exceptional teachers focused on advancing interdisciplinary and integrative study of the humanities in accord with Valparaiso University’s mission.
Buinicki’s work will center around integrating games with pedagogy and the proposed outcomes of his professorship include “increased faculty development and engagement with games pedagogy” along with “original student research and design opportunities,” the release said. He
joined VU’s faculty in 2004.
Veteran Gary legislator issues call for student pages
State Rep. Vernon G. Smith, D-Gary, is looking for local students to come to the Statehouse to learn about the legislative process as a page, according to a release.
Pages aid their representatives by carrying out tasks on the House floor during session.
“The page program is a great opportunity for students to learn more about Indiana’s legislature and state government as they spend the day at the Statehouse,” Smith said in the release.
Any student at least 13 years of age is eligible to participate in the day-long program. Those interested in being a page for the Indiana House of Representatives should call the Page Office at 317-232-9410.
