Steckel Elementary School third-grader Grace Held is the winner of an All-Star Student contest.

She was nominated by her teacher, Morgan Polony, who wrote to the Philadelphia Phillies organization with praise for Grace, considering her a positive role model for her classmates.

According to Polony’s nomination essay, “Grace loves to learn. She is always reading and enjoys learning new things. Her love for books and learning is something that stands out, and it makes her a great student.

“What makes Grace even more special is how mature and responsible she is,” the essay continued. “She is patient, especially with friends who need extra help. ... Grace is always willing to help others and make sure they feel included and supported. She has a heart of gold and is a great friend to everyone.”

Grace is a volunteer for Whitehall-Coplay PTO PLUS, helping at book fairs and bingo nights. She also participated with the PTO fundraisers.

She is active at her church, taking part in the walk for hunger.

Grace participates in basketball and soccer and is an avid Phillies fan, according to Polony.

“She attends multiple Phillies games each year. She is often seen wearing her Phillies gear. Grace has been participating in the Phanatic About Reading program all year long, where she combines her love for reading with her passion for the Phillies.

An award presentation was held April 29 at the Phillies versus Nationals game at Citizens Bank Park. In attendance to celebrate Grace’s accomplishment were Bethany Koenig, Whitehall-Coplay Middle School principal; Kim Lilly, Steckel Elementary librarian; and Marcia Petraglia and Ben Stefan, Steckel teachers.

Grace received a plaque, and Steckel will receive a $1,000 donation.