Treasure Coast Personalities

Maggie Baker, theater arts director at St. Edward’s School in Vero Beach, has headed the drama department for 11 years, transitioning into teaching after a lifetime career in stage management. ANTHONY INSWASTY

The SOUND DIRECTOR

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:March 3, 2021
Post category:Education Treasure Coast Personalities

Maggie Baker, theater arts director at St. Edward’s School in Vero Beach

Ben Swalwell’s youth in England and travels throughout Europe give him a unique perspective on world history, the class he teaches at St. Lucie West Centennial High School. Teaching during the pandemic has been stressful; he has been quarantined three times this school year. RUSTY DURHAM

The FIRST-YEAR TEACHER

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:March 3, 2021
Post category:Education Treasure Coast Personalities

Ben Swalwell has a unique perspective on world history

Tom Laigo, 70, entertains motorists daily along U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce. Now retired, he has nine part-time advertising jobs for local businesses. RUSTY DURHAM PHOTOS

The WAVE MASTER

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:February 22, 2021
Post category:Fort Pierce Treasure Coast Personalities

Tom Laigo, 70, entertains motorists daily along U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce. Now retired, he has nine part-time advertising jobs for local businesses.

On the job or advocating for the LGBTQ community and their families, Suzi James uses empathy and humor to meet the challenges of life head-on. ANTHONY INSWASTY PHOTOS

The ADVOCATE

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:February 22, 2021
Post category:Fort Pierce Treasure Coast Personalities

On the job or advocating for the LGBTQ community and their families, Suzi James uses empathy and humor to meet the challenges of life head-on.

Growing up in Fort Pierce, Randy Ard’s fishing pole was always at the ready. Now retired, Ard uses his knowledge of local fish and his background as a ship carpenter to perfect his carvings, like this one of a flounder. RUSTY DURHAM PHOTOS

The WOODCARVER

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:February 22, 2021
Post category:Fort Pierce Treasure Coast Personalities

Life, it seems, has come full circle for Randy Ard. Two of the things he loved most from his childhood — fishing and sculpting clay animals — have come together as the retired ship carpenter whiles away the hours creating wooden fish sculptures.

Cristina de la Vega has received widespread acclaim for painting picturesque landscapes that remind viewers to savor and preserve the beauty in nature. ANTHONY INSWASTY

The ENVIRONMENTAL ARTIST

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:January 23, 2021
Post category:Treasure Coast Personalities

Cristina de la Vega paints landscapes that capture the stunning, stark beauty of nature

Golf pro Joe Kern, director of instruction at The Moorings At Hawks Nest course, donated a kidney that helped save the life of a friend. ANTHONY INSWASTY

The SELFLESS PRO

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:January 23, 2021
Post category:Treasure Coast Personalities

Golf pro Joe Kern, director of instruction at The Moorings At Hawks Nest course

St. Lucie County Humane Society executive director Melissa McInturff gets down and dirty with Leia and every animal to help them feel at home. MARYANN KETCHAM PHOTOS