Community Highlights: Scholarships, Health Initiatives, and Local Events

Horace Mann Alum Starts Scholarship for West Side Students

Horace Mann High School graduate and entrepreneur Eric Smoot has added a scholarship program to his tradition of donating backpacks and school supplies to local students, according to a release.

Porter County Adds ‘SaveHeart’ Stations

The Porter County Health Department, in partnership with local organizations, has begun placing publicly accessible automated external defibrillators in the county.

Franciscan Dyer to Host Free Baby Expo

Franciscan Health Dyer is hosting a free baby expo for expectant families and new parents, featuring valuable information and resources.

Senior Accountant Named at CLH

CLH, CPAs & Consultants has announced the promotion of Wyatt Stacy to Senior Accountant in their Michigan City firm.

Quartet Named to National Lawyer Listing

Four members of the Allen Law Group have been recognized in the upcoming edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Promotional Products Showcase on Sept. 9

A showcase of promotional products and business solutions will feature 70 vendors in Portage, offering a variety of innovative items.

Horace Mann Alum Launches Scholarship for West Side Students

Gary, IN – In a heartwarming initiative aimed at uplifting local youth, Eric Smoot, a proud graduate of Horace Mann High School and a successful entrepreneur, has introduced a scholarship program for students on the West Side. This new endeavor complements his ongoing commitment to education, which includes donating backpacks and school supplies to students in need.

Smoot, a former three-time state track champion and high school All-American, recently expanded his annual backpack drive, distributing 150 backpacks filled with essential supplies to each of the five elementary schools within the Gary Community School Corporation. This year marks a significant increase from his previous focus on Beveridge Elementary School alone.

In addition to the backpack initiative, Smoot and his former track teammates have established a scholarship in memory of their late coach, Roosevelt “Chief” Pulliam. The inaugural $2,000 scholarship was awarded to KeRon Maxey, a promising 2025 graduate of West Side Leadership Academy, during a recent school board meeting.

“It’s important to give back to the community that shaped us,” Smoot said. “This scholarship is a way to honor Coach Pulliam’s legacy and support the next generation of leaders.”

The scholarship aims to empower students like Maxey, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “This means so much to me and my family,” he said. “It’s a step toward achieving my dreams.”

The event was celebrated with a gathering that included Lois Wilkins, the niece of Coach Pulliam, along with West Side Leadership Academy Principal Carl Scott and Assistant Principal Earl Smith III, who all praised Smoot’s dedication to the community.

As Smoot continues to inspire through his philanthropic efforts, the West Side community looks forward to the positive impact of this scholarship program on its students’ futures.