Robert Munden, a special-education teacher at Whitehall High School, presented the Whitehall-Coplay School Board with a coin, a medal and a flag on behalf of the Army Reserves.

"This is a thank you from the Army Reserves," said Munden at the board's meeting Oct. 14.

Munden, who has been in the Army Reserves for 10 years, said the presentation of the coin is a tradition among the armed services.

"During certain settings you throw down the coin as a challenge," he said. "Sometimes the loser has to do something, like buy dinner."

The district has yet to decide where to display the items, but indicated they will either be placed in the high school or the district office.

In other business, the board recognized Alexander Varghese for obtaining his doctorate in education.

"I'm tremendously proud of his accomplishment," board member Robert Kolb said. "He came to me as a student teacher and you could tell immediately he had the qualities to be an outstanding teacher."

Varghese thanked the board and others who assisted him.

"It's been an honor and pleasure to work with Alex [Varghese]. We couldn't be prouder of him," Whitehall-Coplay Middle School Principal Peter Bugbee said.

Also during the meeting, Director of Curriculum Dr. Barbara Chomik announced the district is seeking to honor Zephyr Graduates of Distinction for accomplishments in academics, music, the arts, civic or military services, community service or significant personal matters.

"We induct anywhere from three to five candidates" Chomik said. "We keep old entries and take a look at them as well."

The nomination forms are available at the Whitehall Township Public Library, Coplay Public Library and on the school district website.