Parkland High School senior Alyssa Oakley was recently selected to receive the Travelers Protective Association of America’s Altruism Award for her dedication to her academics, her involvement in numerous activities as well as her volunteer work and commitment to her peers and the community.

Assistant Parkland High School Principal Jude Sandt and Special Education teacher and PALS Club Advisor Amanda Keifer spoke on Oakley’s behalf calling her a fantastic student who will be sorely missed.

Oakley has a 4.0 GPA and has been a very active member of the Parkland PALS Club for four years, and most recently the president

PALS is a club for students with and without disabilities, with a goal of offering every student a typical high school experience.

The club promotes inclusion, acceptance and respect for everyone.

In her senior year, Oakley raised awareness on the effects that words have with regard to intellectual disabilities.

Her club raised more than $1,500 for Lehigh County Special Olympics, Camelot for Children and the Autism Society. Oakley also helps a student with autism.

In addition to her academics, and her volunteer work in the community, Oakley is also a member of the state champion varsity softball team and assists at softball clinics. Oakley will attend Kutztown University this fall.

The TPA Altruism Award honors those with a selfless concern for the well-being of others, and the staff at Parkland High School unanimously determined that Oakley was the most shining example of altruism at their high school.

Northampton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Samuel P. Murray was a guest speaker at the award event. Judge Murray presides over civil and criminal trials and is an associate judge of Domestic Relations.

Murray thanked Oakley and her peers for their service and dedication to the community and for serving as an outstanding example for her peers to follow.

He also offered well wishes and career advice for the recipients in their future endeavors.

The TPA Post L in the Lehigh Valley is a national nonprofit organization and the largest post of the Pennsylvania division.