Name
Samantha Lantis
Company/Organization
Stewart Elementary, Lakeshore Public Schools
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Stewart Elementary is a K-5 elementary school in Lakeshore Public Schools. We have the honor of educating 425+ students each year.
Age
35
Accomplishments
I am blessed to have had the opportunity to be the Principal for The Stewart Family for the last six school years. This is my 8th year in school administration and my 14th year in education.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
Before the age of 40, I hope to continue my education and seek out ways to grow my leadership skills. I’d like to build more opportunities for community partnerships for myself and Stewart Elementary.
Education
Master of Education in School Administration (K-12), Indiana Wesleyan University (2016) Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Ball State University (2009)
What Town Do You Reside In?
St. Joseph
Where were you born?
Marion, Indiana
What was your first job?
My first job at age 15 was a janitor for a cleaning service in Marion, Indiana! The company was responsible for cleaning medical buildings, offices and factories.
Best advice you ever got?
“Be who you want to be.” My dad, Cary, has repeated this to me from childhood. Whether I was struggling with my perception of myself as a teenager, feeling confused about my career path as an adult or on the brink of a difficult decision, I’ve always thought back to this advice. Each choice we make, whether big or small, contributes to shaping our lives and who we are as individuals. By recognizing this, we can take ownership of our actions, decisions, and the consequences they bring. Feeling empowered to be the best version of yourself is a powerful mindset.
Who inspires you most?
My parents, Cary and Teresa Berglan, and my grandmother, JJ Ball.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I grew up on a farm! My family had goats, sheep, pigs and my beloved llama, Josie. I was a 10 year 4H member and the very first Grant County 4H Fair Princess.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I am an avid IndyCar Racing and Baltimore Ravens fan. I love spending time with my husband, our dog and our cats. I love to work out and go for walks in our beautiful community. One of my absolute favorite things to do is to go for rides in my Jeep Wrangler, especially with all the doors and the top off!
What book are you reading now?
Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar
Volunteer activity you love the most.
I love to do anything that includes working alongside kids or animals.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
I love working with kids and families in the various seasons of their lives. I aspire to instill hope, to spread love, and to foster positivity to make a positive difference in the world. Contributing to my community and helping others not only benefits them but also creates a sense of connectedness and fulfillment within myself. It’s a beautiful way to create a ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and positive change. By recognizing the needs of those around me and using my skills and resources to make a difference, I hope to play an active role in creating a better world.
What Superpower would you most love to have? (for example, the ability to fly or to be invisible, or incredible strength, etc)
I would love to have the ability to make every day feel like Christmas!
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
My core values are Courage, Integrity, Trust and Hope. I strive to model these each day in both my professional and personal life. It’d be a true honor to be remembered for these values.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
I feel humbled to be included in such an incredible group of young professionals. The 40 Under 40 honor has allowed me to take the opportunity to reflect on my personal and professional accomplishments. Sometimes leadership can be a lonely role, and I often feel like I could do so much more. This award helps me to appreciate all I have been able to accomplish alongside my incredible educators for our local community.
