Spring is an exciting time for high school seniors. Anticipating graduation and planning future endeavors fills much of their time. It is also time for recognition and awards for outstanding students. The Travelers Protective Association is an organization that has its annual Altruism Awards presentation and banquet each spring, honoring seniors who exemplify exceptional academics, extracurricular activities and altruism. Ten such students were chosen from the Lehigh Valley this year.

Students from Bethlehem high schools are Bethlehem Catholic – Michael Onorato, Freedom – Alyssa Laubach, and Liberty – Tula Sobrinski. These Lehigh Valley recipients were recognized at an award banquet April 10 at the Northampton Community Center.

Counselor Paula Staples described Onorato as a leader, football captain, class president, Eagle Scout, a volunteer with teen mental health awareness, an outstanding student and kind friend. He will be attending Muhlenberg University, playing football and studying finance.

Health and Physical Education teacher and coach Michele Laubach presented to her daughter Alyssa. Besides playing field hockey, softball and most recently girls wrestling. Alyssa was one of the first girl wrestlers at Freedom, and Michele was the coach. Alyssa will be attending Mercyhurst with a Division I field hockey scholarship. She will have earned 21 college credits by taking college classes while in high school.

Health and Physical Education Teacher Mrs. Erin Michael and Assistant Principal Jennifer Lasso presented for Tula Sobrinski who is known as a standout basketball player, exceptional student and all around good person. She will be attending West Chester University to study nursing.

The Travelers Protective Association of America is one of the oldest fraternal service clubs in the country. The organization was originally created in 1882 by and for traveling salesmen, though today it is open to other occupations.