Key Takeaways:
- The Lake County Public Defender’s office has recognized two staff members, Scott Schmal and Felipe Sanchez, with the Chief’s Award for their support and dedication to the office’s vision.
- Dr. Alicja Milik has joined the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City, bringing her expertise in internal medicine to the community.
- A Morton High School student, Josue Pedraza, has won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge with his educational app "RoboticsMuse", which provides resources and interactive lessons for students to learn about robotics.
- Cursive Academy has achieved non-profit status and is offering a free cursive workshop to mark the occasion, with the goal of teaching participants the basics of cursive handwriting.
- Purdue University Northwest’s College of Technology has received over $3 million in grants to advance education and workforce development in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
- The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association has graduated its inaugural cohort of mentees from its mentorship program, marking a milestone in the organization’s mission to uplift and inspire women.
Introduction to the Chief’s Award
The Lake County Public Defender’s office recently recognized two staff members, Scott Schmal and Felipe Sanchez, with the Chief’s Award. This award is given annually to individuals who support and share the vision of the Public Defender Office. Scott Schmal, the Lake County finance director, and attorney Felipe Sanchez were presented with the award by Marce Gonzalez Jr., the chief public defender of Lake County. Gonzalez created the award in 2019 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the office. The award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Schmal and Sanchez, who have demonstrated their commitment to the office’s mission.
New Physician in Michigan City
Dr. Alicja Milik has joined the Franciscan Physician Network and is now accepting new patients in Michigan City. Milik is an internal medicine specialist who earned her medical degree from the Medical University of Lublin in Poland. She completed her residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. Milik is accepting new patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Coolspring Health Center, and patients can schedule an appointment by calling 219-878-5014. The addition of Dr. Milik to the Franciscan Physician Network brings new expertise and care to the community, and her background in internal medicine will undoubtedly benefit her patients.
Congressional App Challenge Winner
A Morton High School student, Josue Pedraza, has won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge with his educational app "RoboticsMuse". The app is an educational hub that provides resources and interactive lessons for students to learn about robotics and connect with peers who share similar interests. Pedraza used JavaScript to create the app, and a demonstration video can be found on YouTube. The app will be part of a rotating display in the U.S. Capitol and will be featured on the House.gov website for one year. This achievement is a testament to Pedraza’s skills and dedication to STEM education, and his app has the potential to inspire and educate students across the country.
Cursive Academy’s Non-Profit Status
Cursive Academy has achieved non-profit status as a 501c3 organization, marking a significant milestone for the academy. The academy, owned by Terrell Whittington and his wife Chelsea, has graduated 83 students since its founding in June. The academy teaches participants the basics of cursive handwriting and how to sign their name. To celebrate the non-profit designation, Terrell Whittington will teach a free, two-day cursive workshop at the Gary Public Library. The workshop will take place on December 22 and 23, and participants can reserve a spot by emailing [email protected]. The non-profit status will enable the academy to secure grants and funding to further its mission of teaching cursive handwriting.
Cybersecurity Grants
Purdue University Northwest’s College of Technology has received over $3 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Defense to advance education and workforce development in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The grants will support the college’s Center for Cybersecurity, which offers free online certification training programs in AI-cybersecurity, cybersecurity administration, and digital forensics. The programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field of cybersecurity. The grants will enable the college to expand its programs and provide more opportunities for students to learn about cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Mentorship Program Graduation
The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association has graduated its inaugural cohort of mentees from its mentorship program. The program pairs emerging professionals with seasoned leaders, creating one-on-one mentoring relationships that foster growth, confidence, and career development. The graduation marks a milestone in the organization’s mission to uplift and inspire women. A celebration was held at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa in Michigan City, where both mentees and mentors were honored. The program has been successful in providing women with the support and guidance they need to succeed in their careers, and the graduation of the inaugural cohort is a testament to the program’s impact.
