Whitehall-Coplay School District Superintendent John Corby hopes to hand out some Catasauqua High School diplomas long before the end of the academic year. He announced the project at the school board meeting last week.

He explained the Pennsylvania Department of Education allows districts to award a high school diploma to any honorably discharged veteran who served in the United States military during World War II, the Korean conflict or the Vietnam War through Operations Recognition.

"We truly respect and value the sacrifices these veterans have made," Corby said. "We are asking that any veterans come forward."

Corby contacted local VFWs to inform local veterans and he posted a letter, requirements and application on the school district's website.

"Veterans Day is Nov. 11, the same day as our public board meeting," he said. "It would give us incredible pleasure to present them with a diploma."

Diplomas can also be awarded posthumously to veterans who meet the requirements.

"We can award it to a family member," Corby said.

Also at the school board meeting, the board awarded the bids for their cyber/privacy protection insurance to PSBA Insurance Trust for the 2013-14 school year.

The bids were recommended by the insurance broker and the business manager. The cost is $10,892, which is not a change from the 2012-13 school year.

In education and student activity matters, the board approved the appointments of Nicole Storm and Laura Derlunas. Storm will be teaching business, computer and information technology at Whitehall High School and Derlunas will be teaching English, also at the high school.

In other business, Corby spoke about the opening of the school year.

"I think this was one of the most positive openings we've had," he said. "Folks and teachers were doing more than necessary and everyone had a positive smile and attitude."

Corby told the board about a trip he took with school district Treasurer Arthur Taschler through the buildings in the district on opening day.

"It was really a neat day and I really enjoyed it," Taschler said. "You could see everyone was happy and excited."