Debbie Dyer is a passionate advocate for the arts in Huntington, dedicating more than 40 years to fostering an arts culture in the community. Debbie’s love for the arts was nurtured in her youth, and she would pass that love on to her own family and others. She married David Dyer in 1973, and they moved to Huntington, where Debbie became deeply involved in community organizations, including the LaFontaine Arts Council and Tri Kappa sorority. As executive director of the LaFontaine Arts Council, Debbie championed arts education, particularly for young people, including bringing the Fort Wayne Philharmonic to schools, inspiring in students a lifelong appreciation for music. She also organized events like the annual Regional Arts Show and JeFFFest. Debbie’s dedication to the arts, her engaging personality, and her commitment to nurturing young talent have left an indelible mark on Huntington, shaping its cultural landscape for generations to come.

Photojournalist Andrew Hancock’s career capturing iconic sports moments skyrocketed within a decade of his picking up a camera, landing covers of Time and Sports Illustrated. His journey began in Midland, Texas, and evolved through college and at the Herald-Press. After meeting his future wife, Maria Amick, he was inspired to stay in Huntington with a rededication to his craft. That led to breakthrough opportunities, connecting him with top photographers and editors. Hancock’s innovative approach includes taking his cameras into unique locations to capture extraordinary images, such as the iconic shot of college football player Johnny Manziel and coverage of major events like the Cubs’ 2016 run to a World Series win. A Nikon Ambassador, Hancock also mentors aspiring photographers while balancing a dedicated family life with his wife and two daughters in Dallas.

Chris Kramer’s life as an athlete highlights his exceptional talent, relentless work ethic, and leadership. His competitive nature was evident early on. A three-sport standout at Huntington North High School, he earned All-State honors in both football and basketball and a spot on the Indiana All-Star basketball team, securing his place as perhaps the greatest athlete ever produced in Huntington County. With the Purdue basketball team, Kramer became a key player and team leader, helping the Boilermakers return to national prominence. He twice was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and broke the school record for steals. While he did not reach his dream of playing in the NBA, he carved out a successful professional career overseas. Kramer retired in 2022 with a legacy defined by hard work, dedication, humility and a commitment to team success, making him a role model for young athletes.

Rickert Studio, a family-run photography business, documented life in Huntington and the surrounding area from 1912 to 1986. William Rickert, a Wabash County native, purchased Huntington’s DeCew Studio in 1912, bringing innovation with the use of mercury-vapor lights. His studio became renowned for capturing portraits, family gatherings, and commercial work. As photography technology advanced, the business expanded, selling Kodak cameras and processing film while maintaining its successful studio work. William's son, Bob Rickert, joined him after returning from WW II, and took over the business in 1962. Bob later relocated the studio to a renovated Victorian home on West Park Drive, adding modern equipment and natural light for indoor portraits. After a 74-year run, the studio closed in 1986. Bob transitioned into psychological counseling, practicing until 1997. He passed away in 2008, leaving a legacy of cherished photographs that continue to illuminate and preserve this area’s history.

Jim Russo's passion for baseball began in the 1930s in Huntington, inspired by legends like Babe Ruth. His love for the game led him to become one of baseball's most renowned scouts, earning the nickname "Super Scout." Born in 1922 to Sicilian immigrants, Russo dreamt of a major league career but found his true calling in scouting. His keen eye for talent played a crucial role in building the Baltimore Orioles into a dominant team. Notable achievements include signing Boog Powell and facilitating the trade for Frank Robinson, who led the Orioles to their first World Series title in 1966. Russo’s crowning achievement came in 1971 when the Orioles' pitching staff made history with four 20-game winners, all players he had signed or recommended. This remarkable feat underscored Russo’s impact on the Orioles' success. He retired in 1987 and passed away in 2004, leaving a lasting legacy in baseball.

In the 1964 state basketball championship, Jim Seneff missed key shots in Huntington’s loss to Lafayette Jeff. From that event, he vowed to be always prepared, a commitment that guided his life. Born in Gary, Seneff spent his high school years in Huntington, where he excelled in sports, academics and leadership. He attended Wheaton College and later transferred to Florida State University, where he started a successful business out of his dorm room. Drafted into the Army, he devised a 50-year life plan during his service. After returning, he founded CNL Financial Group in Orlando, which grew into a major real estate firm. Seneff’s philanthropy, which has totaled more than $50 million and led to the creation of the James M. Seneff Honors Program at FSU, has significantly impacted education and various causes. He was bestowed with the Horatio Alger Award in 2010. He continues to share his story, emphasizing long-term planning and lifelong learning.

Born in 1818 in Pennsylvania, James. R. Slack rose from a civilian lawyer to a Union general during the Civil War. After moving to Indiana, he established a successful legal career in Huntington and served as a State Senator in Indiana. Slack joined the Union Army at the outbreak of war in 1861, despite having no formal military training. Appointed colonel of the 47th Indiana Infantry, Slack quickly earned recognition for his leadership in key battles, including the Siege of Vicksburg, Battle of Champion Hill, and the Red River Campaign. Promoted to brigadier general in 1864, he continued to lead his troops in critical campaigns. Slack was known for his discipline, strategic insight, and dedication to his men. After the war, Slack returned to Huntington, resuming his legal career and remaining active in veterans’ affairs. He died in 1881, leaving behind a legacy of military leadership and community service, commemorated by General Slack Park.

Phyllis Vance is a trailblazing athlete, coach, and teacher who played a pivotal role in advancing opportunities for girls and women in sports. In the late 1960s and early 70s, when few opportunities existed, Vance forged her own path. She played on Eastbrook High School’s first volleyball and basketball teams, and at Taylor University, she was on the first Trojan softball team. She began her teaching and coaching career at Huntington North. Vance coached girls basketball and track, and started girls cross country and softball programs at the school. As softball coach, her teams consistently excelled, winning nine sectional titles in 10 years, and she was the first female softball coach in Indiana to win 200 games. Vance has been honored multiple times for her contributions, including the Indiana Softball Hall of Fame and the Huntington North and Taylor University halls of fame, where she was celebrated as a pioneer who shaped women’s athletics.

A staple of Huntington’s community and educational landscape for over 75 years, WVSH radio began in 1950 with high school teacher McCabe “Pop” Day’s vision for the student-run “Voice of the Schools of Huntington.” Starting with a modest 10-watt transmitter, the station quickly became a key educational tool, offering diverse programming from sports and music to community service. The station’s early growth included an expanded schedule and new equipment, establishing it as one of the state’s top student-run stations by the1960s. Bill Walker, who took over operations in 1974, played a crucial role in expanding the station’s educational opportunities by introducing dedicated radio classes and fostering student involvement in state contests and professional visits. Under Walker’s leadership, WVSH gained recognition for innovative programs and live-event coverage. Nick Altman, a WVSH alum, succeeded Walker in 2007 and continues to advance the station by incorporating online streaming and social media, modernizing equipment, and embracing new technologies. Today, WVSH remains a pioneering force in educational broadcasting, upholding its mission to provide valuable experiences for students and serve the community.

Ryan Warner has served Huntington County financial institutions for nearly 40 years at the state, regional, and national levels, while staying rooted in his hometown. Starting as a teller in 1977 at Bippus State Bank, Warner quickly rose through the ranks to become the bank’s  president at age 29 and later chair its board after retiring as CEO in 2021. Under his leadership, Bippus State Bank expanded significantly, with assets growing to more than $360 million. Warner's community influence extended beyond banking. He played important roles in the local United Way and Parkview Huntington Hospital fund-raising campaigns and has held leadership positions in state and national banking associations, advocating for the interests of smaller banks. Warner’s career reflects his commitment to improving Huntington County, where he and his family live. Now retired, he looks forward to spending more time with loved ones while remaining connected to his community.