MARCH 2020
MAGAZINE
1205 DISTILLERY OPENS IN WESTFIELD
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WESTFIELD PUBLISHER Brandon Baltz
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SHOP LOCAL!
FILL IT UP: 1205 DISTILLERY OPENS IN WESTFIELD After finding success with his 1205 Distillery in downtown Indianapolis, Carmel native Nolan Hudson is excited to have launched another 1205 Distillery location in Hamilton County.
5 Bash Boutique: Westfield Shop
Offers Wide Range of Brands, Oneof-a-Kind Atmosphere
9 Fill It Up: 1205 Distillery Opens in Westfield
13 Transformations Center for
Healing: Facility Offers Help For Women Suffering From Substance Use Disorder
16 Business Spotlight: Hiatt Magical Vacations
17 A Drawn-Out Career: Local
Artist Finds His Niche Drawing Caricatures
20 Student Spotlight: Sydney Clifford 23 Business Spotlight: Westfield
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Owner Amber Noone
BASH BOUTIQUE Westfield Shop Offers Wide Range of Brands, One-of-a-Kind Atmosphere Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided
Simple, sincere, and sweet - that’s the philosophy behind Bash Boutique on East Main Street in Westfield. Within the store’s calm atmosphere, customers feel free to peacefully discover what they truly love from the facility’s trendy yet timeless offerings of stylish clothing, accessories and gifts. Owner Amber Noone is dedicated to providing quality service to all who enter the boutique.
“We really focus on customer service because each and every one of our ladies that works at Bash loves helping women look and feel their best,” Noone says. “When they leave, customers are really appreciative of the help that they have received at our store. Our ladies love helping men as well, and at the holidays we wrap the gifts for them to make it easier for them. That is the real joy that comes with owning a retail store.”
a boutique is something fairly new to her. She owned coffee shops in the past, but her career focus was previously in sales. While traveling around Indiana, she enjoyed visiting various boutiques and developed the idea of starting her own.
The name Bash Boutique is a nod to Wabash, the shop’s original location. After six successful years, Noone closed her Wabash store in order to concentrate on her Westfield shop and its sister boutique Noone has always loved fashion, but owning in Noblesville. WestfieldMag.com / MARCH 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 5
“I love Westfield because it still has a small community feel, and a lot of our gals know each other when they are in the store,” Noone says. “I saw the growth in Westfield, and I wanted to be a part of the growth and excitement that Westfield has to offer. Also, I live in Westfield now, and I have enjoyed seeing the unique restaurants and shops coming into the area.” Noone says Westfield was the perfect location to open her own store. “Five years ago when I opened in Westfield, it didn’t have many boutiques,” she says. “I purchased a house on Walnut that needed major renovations, and I was there for two-and-a-half years. When the space came open at 110 East Main Street, I felt like that would be better exposure for us.” The boutique carries brands that are classy, unique and sophisticated. Many of the store’s pieces can be dressed up or down, and are versatile enough to be worn at the office or at an evening event. Brands at the store include Liverpool, Kut from the Kloth, Fifteen Twenty, Tart, Joseph Ribkoff, Z SUPPLY, Ambre Blends and more. Noone was able to secure these sought-after lines as suppliers saw her boutiques as viable, thriving businesses. “We special order as much as we can for customers,” Noone says. “If they see something they love but we don’t have their size, then we will try to order it if possible. We do offer private appointments after hours as well.” Bash Boutique holds several special events and promotions throughout the year. Each January, and again in the fall, the shop sponsors a Clean Your Closet event. Women donate their gently-used clothing, handbags and jewelry in exchange for coupons that are redeemable at the store. The donated goods are given to Dress for Success, a local nonprofit organization that provides professional attire to lowincome women who are in the process of interviewing for jobs. Several days per year, Bash donates a portion of its sales in a given day to local charities.
Private shopping parties held at the shop have become very popular. The boutique is typically closed for two hours for each party, and a designated hostess invites her friends. Discounts and treats are given, and the ladies have fun picking outfits out for each other. This March and September, the boutique will conduct Liverpool brand try-on events. When a customer tries on Liverpool jeans, jackets, shirts or trousers, they will be entered into a drawing. Several pairs of jeans will then be given away at each store.
“We strive to offer quality to our customers.” “We strive to offer quality to our customers,” Noone says. “The best thing we can hear from a customer is that the item they purchased from our store has become one of their favorite pieces in their closet. I love fashion, but I have always been very interested in building authentic relationships with woman and others just as much. We do have many loyal customers because I think they enjoy our environment, and they trust that we really want to help them look their best. We know that if the customer looks great in what they purchase in our store, they are likely to return and tell their friends.” Visit Bash Boutique at 110 East Main Street in Westfield. For more info, call 317-867-1490 and visit bashboutique.net.
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Owners Nolan Hudson and Brad Colver
1205 DISTILLERY OPENS IN WESTFIELD Writer / Seth Johnson . Photographer / Brian Brosmer
fter finding success with his 1205 Distillery in downtown Indianapolis, Carmel native Nolan Hudson is excited to have launched another 1205 Distillery location in Hamilton County. Hudson and his partner Brad Colver grew up in Hamilton County, and Hudson says since 1205 Distillery’s spirits have had a long-time presence in the county, bringing a physical presence to the northside was the next logical step for the company. Located in Westfield off of Main Street, the new location will serve craft cocktails made exclusively with 1205 Distillery spirits, as well as select local beer and wine options. Although the Westfield location does not have a kitchen, Hudson plans to partner with local restaurants and food vendors for food delivery and catering options, giving customers something to munch on while they enjoy a delicious craft cocktail. Since December of 2014, Hudson and his 1205 Distillery staff have produced local, handcrafted spirits made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. “We started off with vodka and gin,” Hudson says. “Then we came out with our whiskeys, which were a wheat whiskey, a rye whiskey and a bourbon. We also have our rhubarb liqueur. Those are all sold in Westfield.”
According to Hudson, 1205 Distillery’s expansion to Westfield was initially prompted by a conversation he had with Karen Radcliff, vice president of Hamilton County Tourism, Inc.
first time he met with Skelton. “The first thing we did was drive around and look at buildings. The building we have now was the third one we looked at, and I was just like, ‘Yep, that’s it. We’re taking it.’”
“I was working an event in Noblesville, and Karen Radcliff stopped by and tried our liquor,” Hudson says. “She asked if I had any interest in opening up in Hamilton County, and I told her, ‘I’d love to, but we’re just not in a position to do it.’”
In addition to its garage, Hudson was also drawn to the Westfield building’s overall look.
Hudson eventually connected with Matt Skelton, former director of community development for the City of Westfield.
1205 Distillery also offers absinthe and rum, “I thought we were just going to have a both of which will soon be available at the nice sit-down and talk,” says Hudson of the Westfield location.
“If you’ve ever been in our downtown location, you know we have a very rustic feel,” Hudson says. “We like the wood, metal and copper look. I’m not into brandnew, sterile-looking buildings. I don’t like that feel.” At 1205 Distillery’s Westfield location, the focus will be on serving up delicious drinks showcasing the distillery’s handcrafted selection of spirits. “Westfield is going to be our cocktail lounge where we really get creative with cocktails,” Hudson says. “We’re also allowed to do other stuff that we’re not allowed to do downtown, like carry local beer and wine.” In particular, one special cocktail that visitors will find on the menu is the Hamilton Co. Smash, which is also the official cocktail of Hamilton County. “Kentucky has their Kentucky Mule, and everywhere you go you can get a Kentucky
Mule,” Hudson says. “We wanted to bring something like that to Hamilton County - something that really no other county has.” Ingredients in the Hamilton Co. Smash include 1205 Distillery’s New American Gin and its Rhubarb Liqueur, as well as simple syrup, fresh lemon juice and small mint leaves. According to Hudson, another popular cocktail on the menu is the Giggle Water. “If we took it off the menu, there’d be riots,” Hudson says of the Giggle Water cocktail. “It’s like a rhubarb mule. It’s vodka, rhubarb liqueur, lime and ginger beer. It’s unique to us because we’re the only place that makes a rhubarb liqueur.” Although it hasn’t been open long, Hudson says the response to 1205 Distillery’s Westfield location has already been positive. “Everyone keeps telling us that Westfield has needed something like this for a long time, so I think it’s going to go really well,” he says. 1205 Distillery is located at 120 Camilla Court, Suite A in Westfield. To learn more, visit 1205Distillery. com and call 317-439-4997.
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Exuberant. Vibrant. Unique. Osborne Trails was conceived for our 55 and better community with these qualities in mind. A luxury enclave built in celebration of and nostalgia for Indiana lake life, Osborne Trails offers a fresh perspective for the 55 and better generation and caters to those seeking to combine a social and active lifestyle with one-ofa-kind home designs for relaxing and enjoying time with friends and family. Embracing the natural beauty of our central Indiana landscape, Osborne Trails features 180 acres, six lakes and three miles of winding trails that can be appreciated and enjoyed throughout the winter, spring, summer and picturesque Indiana autumn. With six lakes peppered throughout the community, residents of Osborne Trails enjoy breathtaking water views, fishing, and scenic walking paths. Osborne also features many inspired amenities such as hiking and biking trails and a relaxing resort-style outdoor pool. The sleek Retreat amenity center boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, a stunning gathering room with two-story fireplace, crafting and art activities space, many cozy nooks for socializing and a lounge for entertaining, watching the big game, playing cards or shooting pool. Multiple outdoor gathering spots create a fun and intimate oasis for visiting with friends and family and feature built-in kitchens and grills for dining al fresco.
Osborne Trails offers uniquely crafted home designs by our local in-house design team, created specifically with Osborne residents in mind. Discriminating buyers craving open, social layouts with space to entertain and host visiting family and guests will appreciate the attention to detail and innovative designs, including our “Next Gen” suites. All homes include outdoor living spaces to relax and admire the tranquil beauty of the Indiana landscape. Lennar’s “Next Gen” suites are unrivaled in Indiana and represent one-of-a-kind, flexible living space. With a separate entrance, private bedroom and bath, and kitchenette option, “Next Gen” suites are the perfect solution to accommodate generations of family members or visiting guests. All homes are fully equipped with the latest features in luxury, technology and efficiency. Featuring Lennar’s “EI” Everything’s Included® concept, homes include quartz counters, upgraded hard surface flooring, designer stainless steel kitchen appliances (including the refrigerator!) and much more. Wi-Fi Certified™ technology, lawn maintenance and snow removal are also included. Residents will enjoy the peace and privacy of Osborne Trails as many of the homesites feature stunning water views, overlooking lush tree-lines and walking and jogging paths.
in honor of lakes found throughout the Hoosier state. Osborne Trails sports enthusiasts will appreciate the community’s proximity to Grand Park Sports Village, a premiere recreation facility and nationwide destination for youth sports. Take in an afternoon baseball game, watch the grandkids’ sporting events, or relax in the upper deck bar area to soak it all in. Looking for a close, convenient way to give back to the local community? The City of Westfield, in conjunction with Grand Park, offers Osborne residents a multitude of opportunities to volunteer and get actively involved in events. Avid golfers can easily take the opportunity to improve their handicap at renowned golf clubs nearby such as Pebblebrook, Fox Prairie and Woodwind, among others.
Become a Trailblazer Osborne Trails offers an exciting opportunity for the first 15 buyers to be honored and recognized as members of the “Trailblazers Founders Club.” The Founders Club is an exclusive membership whose mission is to pioneer the future of Osborne Trails and maintain the spirit and vision of this extraordinary Westfield Community.
The brand-new home design collections of Osborne Trails capture the essence of Indiana lake living and were named 12 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / WestfieldMag.com
TRANSFORMATIONS CENTER FOR HEALING FACILITY OFFERS HELP FOR WOMEN SUFFERING FROM SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER Writer / Braden Ochs Photographer / Ron Wise
Surgeons work to heal the body. Psychiatrists work to heal the mind. But how can someone’s life be healed from substance abuse? At Transformations Center for Healing, the staff ’s mission is to heal the lives of women who are suffering from substance use disorder. Transformations is a holistic, residential recovery center focused on healing the lives of women suffering from substance use.
Transformations was founded by Laci Giboney, who is passionate about changing lives affected by substance use. Giboney works to impact women in Hamilton County by getting to the root of why people use drugs and alcohol. She believes any transformation and healing starts with Jesus Christ. “Drug and alcohol usage is a symptom of our brokenness and pain,” Giboney says. “It takes at least a year to get to the roots of any trauma or false beliefs, but it is a selfdiscovery journey that goes to the depths of
your being and the essence of who you are.” Fourteen years ago, Giboney started her own recovery from heroin addiction. Her drug use escalated to heroin after graduating Noblesville High School, and ended when she spent time in Rockville Correctional Facility. During her time in Rockville, she gave her life to Jesus, and says she started to feel that God still had plans for her life. After her experience in Rockville Correctional Facility, Giboney had big hopes
WestfieldMag.com / MARCH 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 13
for her future. She knew she wanted to start a recovery center in Hamilton County. After her recovery, Giboney received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. In January of 2016 she searched online for information on how to start a nonprofit organization. She knew what her business model would be, but had to educate herself on all the various aspects of operating a recovery center. Her family members were able to help her as much as they could, but Giboney had to continue to ask others for business and financial help. “I would ask anyone and everyone that would listen to me,” Giboney says. “I got a lot of noes and I hit a lot of brick walls, but pretty quickly I met the people at White River Christian Church and they wanted in.” The leaders at White River Christian Church became more than happy to assist Giboney with what she wanted to do. On November 7, 2016, the church raised over
Life Church Noblesville donated a parsonage house to Transformations for the staff to use. Giboney used the money raised by White River Christian Church to complete $60,000 worth of renovations to the house. After the renovations were completed, Transformations officially opened its doors in May of 2017.
transition house and a program in the Hamilton County Jail. The Transformations Therapeutic Recovery Pod for women opened in the Hamilton County Jail in January 2018. Inmates are housed separately from the rest of the population and receive individual and group counseling. This program has reduced participant recidivism rates by 80%. Transformations goal is to expand the program to the men’s jail and pilot the program in other county jails.
Since then, the 12-month Residential Program has expanded to include a
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after completing 10 months of the Residential Program. The transition house is called Trevor’s House of Hope, named after Trevor Vautaw, who lost his life several years ago due to heroin addiction. Vautaw’s family is a supporter of Transformations through the Annual Trevor Vautaw Memorial Golf Outing, coming up August 1 this year. Women in Central Indiana who wish to be part of the Transformations program can contact the staff and undergo a five-day interview process. After this process, women visit the main facility for a final interview, at which point they must be ready to move in. Once women have lived in the main house for 10 months, they move to Trevor’s House of Hope, where they can stay for two years. Giboney has big goals for 2020. Since the women at the facility receive full scholarships, Transformations has no regular tuition money coming in, and the staff is continually searching for various means of income to support the program. This has included launching a private coffee label, opening an outpatient office to help those who may not be ready for the main house, and expanding jail pods outside of Hamilton County. “I’m always looking for how we can bridge the gap to meet service needs,” Giboney says. Giboney has continued to assess how women are affected by Transformations. She is constantly encouraged and inspired by each woman’s story. One women who participated in the Transformations program reconnected with her estranged daughter - who now refers to her mother as her best friend - after a slow process of healing and gradual communication. For more information on Transformations Center for Healing and to register for the upcoming golf outing, call 317-219-6673 or visit transformationscfh.org.
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HIATT MAGICAL VACATIONS 317-418-8642 HiattMagicalVacations.com
Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided
Jill Hiatt knows there is nothing like seeing the joy on a child’s face while hugging their favorite Disney character at Walt Disney World, Aulani, Disney’s Hawaiian Resort & Spa, Disneyland or exploring the world with Adventures by Disney. Likewise, the moment when a parent realizes their teenager is enthralled with the magic of a live show on a luxury cruise ship is unforgettable. Whether a family includes toddlers or spans several generations, Hiatt’s company, Hiatt Magical Vacations, will plan a vacation that will be memorable for all. Hiatt Magical Vacations is a local, fullservice travel agency specializing in Disney destinations. Rather than being housed in a brick-and-mortar facility, the company operates as an online travel agency, and Hiatt communicates often with all of her clients via phone or email. With her training through the Walt Disney Travel company and years of travel to Disney destinations with her own family, she personally crafts each experience for every individual family’s wants and needs. “We started traveling to Disney when my oldest daughter was four,” Hiatt says.
“After going that first time, we fell in love with it. I also fell in love with planning all of our repeat trips. I was a stay-at-home mom and didn’t know that it could be a job. My company opened in March of 2017 and exploded from there including 35 independent contracted travel agents across the U.S.”
Hiatt Magical Vacations has travel advisors located throughout the U.S. who work will their clients to craft the perfect Disney Destinations vacation. Planning assistance and recommendations are tailored to each client so that they can enjoy a memoryfilled magical vacation. And, there are no fees for this service!
Due to the success of the business and many positive reviews from clients who appreciate Hiatt’s personal touch, Hiatt Magical Vacations has been designated as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. This means the company gained entrance into a program reserved for agencies that achieve a high level of sales and keep up with an intense amount of destination training. As such, Hiatt has knowledge of special offerings and packages she can pass on to customers.
“Next year, Disney World will celebrate its 50th anniversary with many new attractions,” Hiatt says. “My advice is to book early. Character dining experiences can be booked six months out and a Disney Cruise can be booked 18 months ahead of time. Disney wants families to have a magical time and this can be done visiting WDW, Disneyland, DCL, Aulani, or Adventures by Disney.”
“I listen to each client and get to know what type of trip they like,” Hiatt says. “Each family is unique. Some want luxury, and others are more comfortable sticking to a pared-down budget. If people don’t want a theme park there are other options. A Disney Cruise Line vacation offers something for everyone in the family and is a relaxing way to experience phenomenal Disney Service, exceptional food and entertainment.”
For more info, email Jill Hiatt at Jill@ HiattMagicalVacations.com.
Our travel agency’s knowledge of Disney products has earned us the distinction of being named an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. We were given this special designation by Disney as a result of our agency’s ongoing focus and commitment to planning customized, magical trips to the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line® and other Disney vacation destinations worldwide. 16 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / WestfieldMag.com
Artist Nick Nix
A DRAWN-OUT CAREER LOCAL ARTIST FINDS HIS NICHE DRAWING CARICATURES Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Eli Beaverson
Straight out of high school, Cicero resident Nick Nix went to work for his parents as a parts runner for an electrical firm. Through the years, he worked his way up to become an electrician. In his free time, he did what he had done since he was a young boy - he drew comics. Though he has always adored art, he never considered it to be a feasible full-time job. “In those days, if you weren’t a painter or a sculptor, the idea of doing artwork for a living wasn’t a process,” Nix says.
When Nix’s parents’ company went out of business in 1989, he started working for a screen print company. He also began working on a cartoon strip and drawing caricatures. In the late 1990s, he and his wife Patty launched Cartoon Ups, a visual entertainment company specializing in live caricature and satirical cartoon illustrations. Patty acts as business owner and event coordinator, while Nick works as a cartoonist, illustrator and caricature artist. “In those days, I had this idea of moving under the moniker of being like a car mechanic except I was a cartoon mechanic, so if people wanted to be drawn, I’d give
them a cartoon-up and draw them as a caricature or cartoon,” Nix says. Though things were starting to fall into place where Nix’s love of art was concerned, his health began to decline when he was diagnosed with diabetes. In 2002 he lost the lower part of his left leg because of the disease, and four years later lost the lower part of his right leg as well. “It snuck up on me,” Nix says. “Unfortunately, with diabetes you don’t know you’ve got it until something happens. It was just a terrible set of circumstances.”
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According to Nix, everything in his life changed at about the same time. He went from being an electrician to being an artist overnight, and along with that he started a faith walk that continues to this day. “My faith is the one foundational cornerstone of my life that holds everything else up,” Nix says. “It’s the thing that wakes me up in the morning and gets me through the day.” Despite his limited mobility, Nix is grateful that his gift can be utilized. Through Cartoon Ups, Nix draws at many types of events ranging from children’s birthday parties to corporate picnics. Nix is grateful that his wife handles all of the odds and ends of the business, enabling him to focus on his craft. “It’s hard to be an artist and a business person,” Nix says. “I’m lucky because literally my job is to show up, draw pictures for a couple of hours, and go home.” Patty makes sure that Nix doesn’t tax his health or burn out creatively by working too many hours. “In the old days, 18-hour days weren’t unusual,” Nix says. “No more.” Typically, Nix appears at two to three events per week. Around the holidays, however, he may draw at more than one event per day. Over the past three decades, Nix has drawn for the Indianapolis Colts, drawn caricatures of local celebrities such as radio deejays, and became the exclusive caricature artist for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of those organizations that takes care of their fans,” Nix says. “They have a Kids Zone, and they pay us to sit out there and draw for kids for free.” 18 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / WestfieldMag.com
When the movie “Crazy, Stupid, Love” was released in 2011, Nix attended a wrap party in Louisville where he drew Hollywood stars such as Maria Bello, Jeremy Irons, Karan Soni and Analeigh Tipton. He also drew a caricature of Steve Carell in a Willy Wonka outfit, which the cast of the NBC television show “The Office” signed and presented to Carell when he exited the series. Nix feels strongly about donating his time to organizations that are near and dear to him, including the American Cancer Society and Riley Hospital for Children. Nix’s favorite aspect of his job is the ability to make children laugh. “The funny thing is that kids are probably the biggest critics,” he says. “I’ll draw a caricature of them and their mom will ask them, ‘Does that look like you?’ They’ll say, ‘No!’”
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Nix loves when his sketching causes a large crowd of children to gather around his table.
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“They almost hang on me when they watch me draw, but I like it,” Nix says. “When little ones show an interest, I’ll never discourage them from getting a closer look.” Nix has four grown children and four grandchildren, whom he describes as his joy. “My wife has said that when my granddaughter came along, she saved my life because my health was really deteriorating and she turned my life around,” Nix says. “It’s so much fun to be a grandpa. If I’d known how great it would be, I would have skipped the dad part and gone straight to being a grandfather.”
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For more information about Cartoon Ups, or to schedule Nick Nix to draw at your event, call 317319-8912 or visit cartoonups.com. WestfieldMag.com / MARCH 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 19
JACOB ROBERTS
SYDNEY SHEA CLIFFORD EGGLESTON SPONSOREDBY: BY: SPONSORED
Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Amy Payne
Shea Eggleston, a senior at Westfield High School, is being recognized for her outstanding work at Student Impact of Westfield.
hang out and get mentorships and guidance. and extracurriculars, to be where I am today, but it has been more than worth it. With all Eggleston says she is excited to be the hard work, receiving this award is even recognized by Student Impact of Westfield. more special.”
favorite teacher, is Erin McKinney, a math teacher at Westfield High School. Not only was she an amazing teacher, and helped me find a new passion in math, but she also was, and still is, an amazing friend and mentor,” Eggleston says. “Mrs. McKinney has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life,” she adds. “To this day, I try and see her at least once a week just to say hello or have a conversation. It is not only Mrs. McKinney at Westfield, but there are so many teachers like her. I know so many students that have a relationship similar to mine with a teacher and those relationships will stick with the students for the rest of their lives.” Eggleston says Student Impact of Westfield has also helped her tremendously. “I attend Student Impact every Monday and Friday and volunteer as an intern/ student leader every Tuesday and Thursday,” Eggleston says. “I love everything about this organization. I love the people who run it and attend it, what they stand for, what they do for Westfield, and everything in between.
part of Student Impact since the fifth grade and will be a member until the moment she graduates high school. “I started volunteering at student impact my sophomore year, but it wasn’t until my junior year that I was volunteering on a constant basis. As of right now, I volunteer nine or more hours a week, and love every minute.”
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For more inform Westfield visit th 317-414-6456.
Eggleston also says she loves living in Westfield. “I have always felt safe and secure while being in Westfield,” she says. “I love the amenities and opportunities available. I love that Westfield has fun things to do with friends, and also fun things to do with family.” She believes Student Impact is a big part of that. Danyele Easterhaus, executive director of Student Impact of Westfield, says says she is thrilled Eggleston has been recognized.
WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ENCOURAGES CLASSMATES TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
“I feel extremely humbled and honored to win,” Eggleston says. “My high school journey has been far from easy. During Student Impact, 536 North Union Street, my freshman year, I was diagnosed with Zionsville, is a safe place where students Crohn’s Disease, and missed a lot of school from grades 5-12 can build relationships because of it. I get sick easily and miss more Writer / Matt Keating that bring hope and healing. It was started in school than most people. It has taken a 1999 to be an environment where kids can lot of hard work and dedication to school Photography Provided
Writer / Julie Yates
Sydney Clifford, Photography provided a senior at Westfield High School, enjoys the challenges of juggling several schooleld activities and sports. When Westfi High School senior Jacob Roberts joined the Best Buddies club in “I’m on school, the cross-country, swimming, middle he had a very personal and track teams,” Clifford three motive for doing so. Atsays. that“These time, he had no sports have it means idea that fivetaught years me later,what he would be to the be tough and persevering. Running and club’s president. The self-proclaimed shy swimming are twohas of the hardest sports out and quiet student become a champion there, especiallyinclusion becauseand yourecently have to have for promoting led the discipline to pushing, a convocation tokeep encourage his even peerswhen to you are people uncomfortable. respect of all diff”erent ability levels.
Eggleston is proud to say she have been a
“Shea is just an amazing young woman,” Easterhaus says. “She leads with a quiet, yet strong sense about her, despite all the issues she faces each and every day. She puts others first and displays leadership not in
“Once I started trying to narrow down my dream job, I knew I did not want to be a veterinarian, but that is about all I could figure out. I hope one day I can figure out what career I want, but for now, I know it must be working with animals.” Eggleston noted that Westfield has some of the best teachers. “Almost every single teacher I have had since first grade I have really liked. With Westfield teachers you can tell they want every single one of their students to succeed, and they try to make that happen. I have had so many teachers inspire me, and make me want to be a better person and student.” Eggleston has a favorite teacher. “One teacher that will forever have a place in my heart and will forever be my absolute
Her coaches joined have been great source of “I originally Besta Buddies in eighth inspiration. grade at the middle school. I had just gotten news that my brother was going to “My coaches had a huge influence on be born withhave Down Syndrome,” Roberts not athletics, butjust on who I am as a says.just “So,my I really joined to figure person,” says.since “My cross country out how Clifford to treat him he would be and track coaches, Scottthat Lidskin, Shane different. Throughout year and my Moore andyear, Roger Wachtel, freshman I learned so have muchinstilled more in me the of sisu, a Finnish word that about Bestidea Buddies.” roughly translates to English as stubborn determination. On the cross-country Roberts continues, “I learned that my course on thewas track, I use sisuwrong to push originaland thinking completely and through tough mission. momentsTh ineamission race. I believedthose the wrong Outside of athletics, stillthe usesocial, this concept of Best Buddies is to Iend physical, of to demonstrate determination andsisu economic discrimination of thoseand with perseverance whenever I have adisabilities. tough intellectual and developmental project or a bad day.” 20
Darrick Thomas, Clifford’s swim coach, has taught her that you can always keep Westfield_1219.indd 20 and that you can always dive swimming, into a new challenge.
Eggleston plans to study zoology in college. “Ever since I can remember, my favorite thing has always been animals, particularly of the mammal species, but still animals in general,” Eggleston says. “My dream job has always been something to do with animals, whether that was a veterinarian or a zoo keeper, I did not really know, but I knew it had to be with animals.
“I joined the swim team my sophomore year, and to be totally honest I’m not the best swimmer on the team,” Clifford says. “But regardless, coach Thomas truly cares about each and and accept every athlete We include people on for the whoteam, they and has encouraged me to continue to are and simply just be friends.” keep going.”
Clifford is also president of the school’s Dance Marathon fundraiser event for Riley Hospital for Children.
“My biggestand philosophy for whatdisabilities I do is intellectual developmental engagement with the community, are paired with a regular education with peer. committee members, withonWestfield High The club typically meets Fridays during School, with sponsors, and with Riley the CORE Advisory period. Activities are Westfield High School is among Clifford, who isboth alsonationwide active with and Westfield families,” says. “I’m sofriendships excited to see organizedClifford and foster growing many schools High School’s student newspaper, has big all of our hard work pay off. ” between each buddy pair. On Oct. 29, internationally that offer the Best Buddies plans for the program as afuture. student activity. Students with Roberts organized and led a special Clifford likes making a difference in her / “While WESTFIELD MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019on / WestfieldMag.com I do love to/ write, I plan going school and community. into the medical field after high school,” she says. “However, I still want to be able to use “The thing that I enjoy the most about 11/20/19 making a difference in the community and my ability to write and communicate ideas my school is the connections I have made wherever I end up.”
20 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / WestfieldMag.com
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in the process, whether that is with the people I’m helping or the people I’m helping with,” she says. Clifford is still deciding on which college to attend. “I’m considering between IU, IUPUI and Purdue,” she says. “I’m planning on double majoring in biology and Spanish, with a pre-med or pre-physician assistant track.” Wherever Clifford goes, Westfield will always be a big part of her. “Westfield has been such an incredible community to help me set my roots,” she says. “St. Maria Goretti Catholic School and Westfield High School have helped to instill in me a genuine curiosity for learning, and an instinctive drive to help others.”
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WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 116 E Main Street Westfield, IN 46074 (317) 804-3030 westfield-chamber.org
UPCOMING EVENTS Westfield Young Professionals March 5, 5:30-7:30pm Grindstone on the Monon 800 East Main Street Westfield, IN 46074 Coffee with the Chamber March 10, 8:00-9:00am Wellbrooke of Westfield 937 East 186the Street Westfield, IN 46074 Chamber of Commerce Luncheon March 19, 11:00am-1:00pm Chatham Hills 1100 Chatham Hills Blvd Westfield, IN. 46074 Business After Hours March 26, 5:00-7:00pm Union Street Flats 176 Union Flats Boulevard Westfield, IN 46074
For the twenty-seventh year, the Westfield Chamber of Commerce will be presenting a $2000 scholarship to a graduating senior who resides within Washington Township. This senior may attend public or private school or be home-schooled. The Chamber’s 2020 scholarship will be given in Memory of Hal Montgomery, a charter board member of the Chamber when it was incorporated in 1981. Hal was a local businessman who was a great supporter of all things Westfield who was lost unexpectedly in an automobile accident on January 26, 2017. In addition to the Westfield Chamber of Commerce Scholarship, Keller Williams Realty Indianapolis Metro North-Steve Rupp, The Zulu Group, P.C. will have a $1000 scholarship. Community First Bank - Westfield will have a $500 Scholarship. Applications are available for download from the Chamber’s website, the counseling centers at Westfield High School and Guerin Catholic High School, and it has been shared for distribution among Hamilton County’s homeschool groups. Next year the deadline will be in May 2020.
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