Two Northampton students were among those from the Lehigh Valley to receive Elmer Gates Enterprise Awards May 22 at the Best Western Lehigh Valley Conference Center in Bethlehem.

Northampton recipients were Adam Deutsch, who was in the web design and animation program, and Austin Kochenash, of the automotive technician program. Both are also students at Bethlehem Area Vocational School.

"We recognized 27 years ago that we had an asset that needs to be developed and nurtured," said Elmer Gates speaking to students, relatives and school officials.

Lehigh Career and Technology Institute and the Bethlehem Area Vocational School and associated high schools nominate candidates for the award. This year the Enterprise Awards included students from Monroe Career and Technical Institute and from Upper Bucks County Technical School.

All students receiving recognition are also part of the SkillsUSA program which provides a competitive program for the technical skills of the students.

SkillsUSA develops partnerships with businesses with the goal of improving the area's workforce.

The Enterprise Award goes to those SkillsUSA high school students who demonstrate the qualities of scholastic achievement, positive work ethic, community involvement and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Elmer Gates Enterprise Awards have been given since 1986, according to officials.

The awards were presented by Elmer Gate's daughter Phalon Jodi Key and his granddaughter Patti Gates-Smith. Key is also the executive director of the SkillsUSA Council.