Parkland High School senior Katherine Haberern was recently selected to receive the Travelers Protective Association of America’s Altruism Award for her kindness and dedication to her peers and those in her community.

Jeremy Gordon, a guidance counselor at the high school, described Haberern as genuine, “because she doesn’t just help others or act as kind, she just does it because it is the right thing to do.”

Haberern organized a fundraising event known as “End the R Word” and she has spent countless after-school hours helping students with special needs.

She is also an influential member and president of the Parkland PALS Club which organizes monthly activities and events throughout the year.

PALS raises awareness about students with special needs and disabilities and they fundraise during many events including Special Olympics.

The PALS Club was also involved in Autism Walks and gifts were purchased last Christmas for children in foster care.

The TPA Altruism Award honors those with a selfless concern for the well-being of others, and the staff at Parkland High School determined Haberern served as an example of altruism for her peers and the community.

TPA Post L in the Lehigh Valley is a national non-profit organization and the largest post of the Pennsylvania division.

Guest speaker Scott Hovan explained how the TPA positively affected his son, Cole, who was born deaf, and who received a grant from the TPA.

Additionally, guest speaker John B. Reilly J.D., C.P.A., founder and CEO of City Center, responsible for development in Allentown, thanked Haberern and her fellow TPA award recipients for their service and dedication and offered some wisdom and well wishes for their future endeavors.