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Grant Pinsley receives TPA Altruism Award

Published May 16. 2024 01:31PM

By CASSANDRA DAYOUB

Special to The Press

Grant Pinsley of Parkland High School was awarded the Lehigh Valley chapter of the Travelers Protective Association of America Post L’s Altruism Award.

There was a banquet and ceremony April 18 at the Northampton Banquet and Event Center, 1601 Laubach Ave.

The Altruism Award is an opportunity for high schools throughout the Lehigh Valley to honor select students who exemplify an altruistic spirit through commitment and service to others.

TPA Post L President Donald D. Schwartz opened the ceremony by discussing his deployment in the Vietnam War and life after returning home.

His commitment to the country showcased an example of service to others and embodying altruism - setting the tone for the stories as faculty staff shared a story about each recipient throughout the evening.

Assistant Principal Dr. Maggie Drake and school guidance counselor Eric Roberts nominated Grant for the award because of his outstanding achievement in community service.

Pinsley collected 600 hours of service - the highest record in the senior class.

Pinsley embodies many generous qualities, and Dr. Drake highlighted them when addressing the gathering.

She described Grant as someone who is “always helping others” and who will leave Parkland in a “better place.”

At Parkland, he was the captain of the debate and mock trial teams, served as president of the political science club, and still found time to participate in the honors orchestra, chorale, and music honors society.

He also strives academically.

Pinsley is a member of various national honor societies and participates in the Future Business Leaders of America Club.

Pinsley then shared his future plans with poise, confidence and ease.

After graduating this spring, he will attend the prestigious Tufts University in Massachusetts to study political science, with long term goals of attending law school.

TPA Post L was established in 1882 to benefit traveling salesmen nationwide.

Now, it is a fraternal benefit society that serves and protects those considered preferred risks.

The organization is responsible for creating CHAD Stickers (Children Have An Identity), DNA collection kits, and the Officer Ollie Safety Program.

PRESS PHOTOS BY CASSANDRA DAYOUB Students from 13 high schools around the Lehigh Valley gathered after being honored with an Altruism Award. They are in the company of TPA Post L President Donald D. Schwartz and State President Emma Hettler.
T.P.A. paves the way for child prevention programs. The sign is from Officer Ollie's program.
A TPA safety patrol vest.
TPA established the Children Have An Identity program. Stickers were placed on car seats to ensure rapid identification of children in an emergency.
TPA Post L President Donald D. Schwartz shared his experience in the Reserves and his time in the Vietnam War. He spoke about his pension and incentives that may interest new graduates.
TPA Altruism Program Director Patricia Palencar is also the Post L secretary/treasurer, director of the Deaf and Near Deaf Trust Fund, and director of Communications.
Dr. Maggie Drake discusses Grant Pinsley's positive attributes.
Grant Pinsley discusses his plans to attend Tufts University.
PRESS PHOTO BY CASSANDRA DAYOUB (Right) Grant Pinsley accepts his TPA Altruism Award certificate from TPA Post L President Donald D. Schwartz.