Merrillville-based Lakeshore Public Media announced the honorees for its Building Block Breakfast: Fueling the Future on Sept. 25.
The breakfast will feature the presentation of the Champion of Early Childhood Development awards. The awards celebrate those who have significantly impacted early childhood education and development in the Region.
State Senator Ed Charbonneau will be recognized for his legislative efforts, particularly the authorship of Senate Enrolled Act 2. The act aims to increase the number of child care providers in Indiana, improving access and affordability for families.
Barbara Eason-Watkins, retired Michigan City Area Schools superintendent, will be celebrated for her 50-year career in education. She recently helped establish a preschool within the school district, underscoring her commitment to fostering educational opportunities for young children.
Mark Chamberlain will be honored for his community leadership. Governor Holcomb appointed Chamberlain to Indiana’s Early Learning Advisory Council. Chamberlain has guided early child care, education and out-of-school-time programs across Indiana by working with the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.
The breakfast marks the launch of Lakeshore’s “Building Blocks” initiative. The initiative involves a multimedia project that explores the science behind early childhood development. It addresses challenges families face in Northwest Indiana. The first episode premieres Oct. 2 on Lakeshore PBS.
The Porter County Community Foundation, the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children and Northshore Health Centers have supported the initiative.
The event will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. on Sept. 25 at the Dean & Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville. Learn more here.
Lakeshore Public Media has provided public broadcasting for Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland since 1987. Its radio broadcast can be heard on 89.1 FM. Lakeshore PBS broadcasts on channel 56 over the air.
