During Whitehall-Coplay School Board’s meeting Dec. 15, 2025, Whitehall High School Chorale members began the meeting with holiday performances. The WHS and Whitehall-Coplay Middle School bands also performed songs. Dressed in festive attire, the groups performed a selection of Christmas songs for board members and attendees.

Following the performances, third-grade gifted students at Steckel Elementary School were introduced to the board and presented their Invention Convention project.

“Good evening, members of the school board. We are the gifted third-grade students at Steckel Elementary,” one student said. “We are excited to share our experience at this year’s Pennsylvania Invention Convention held at CLIU-21.”

“At the convention, creativity, problem-solving and innovation were the focus,” another student added.

Students went on to explain their invention — a medical support concept inspired by lessons on the real-world issue of limited and unaffordable health care. The invention was designed to provide individuals with access to basic medical services at no cost.

The team earned first place at the convention, demonstrating how students can turn imaginative ideas into practical and meaningful solutions by identifying real problems and helping others. As a result of their win, the students will advance to compete in the state competition in Hershey.

“Thank you for supporting the gifted program,” another student said. “It helps us learn to be creative thinkers, problem solvers and future innovators.”

The meeting continued with a presentation on the chief science officer program at WHS. The program provides students with opportunities to create change and develop leadership skills through mentorship and STEM initiatives. Highlights included hosting STEM stations during family night, learning about engineering at UGI, presenting action plans to Blue Mountain and completing other student-led projects.

Additional updates were shared by a Student Council representative. Topics included a visit from Civil War reenactor General Grant, who spoke to high school social studies classes; Keystone makeup testing; and a meeting between Kutztown University President Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson, WHS Principal Dr. Peter Mayes and Student Council members to strengthen connections between secondary and higher education.

The meeting concluded with an update from Superintendent Christopher Schiffert, who spoke about the district’s Zephyr Express Holiday Experience, which was held Dec. 4, 2025. The event began with breakfast at the education center for township police officers and volunteers. Students were then paired with officers to shop at Burlington for gifts for those in need, followed by a gift-wrapping session with residents at Fellowship Community.

A presentation was also given by Toni Fillman, of PTO-PLUS, who expressed gratitude for the support received during this year’s Christmas festivities, including the Little Shoppers’ Shoppe and Shop with a Cop events.

The meeting wrapped up with the board recognizing the tenure of Allison Slate, of WCMS

The board also gave updates on district committees. Patty Gaugler will remain chair of education and student activities, with Nichole Hartman and LoriAnn Fehnel serving on the committee. Joseph Shields will serve as chair of transportation and operations, joined by Fady Salloum and Seth Kubat. The finance and personnel committee will remain unchanged until a treasurer is elected in May and includes George Williams, George Makhoul and William Fonzone Sr.