Among the graduating students honored at the 2014 Donley Awards for Excellence this year were two who attend Catasauqua school.

The two local honorees are Catasauqua High School grad Rachel Sell and Lehigh Valley Christian High School grad Joshua Sell.

A total of 29 outstanding Northampton and Lehigh County students received the Donley Awards, named for Edward Donley, former chairman of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Donley joined Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. in 1943. He became president in 1966 and chairman in 1978. Donley retired from Air Products in December 1986 and from the Executive Committee of Air Products' Board in January 1992.

The awards were presented at a ceremony held in April at University Center, DeSales University.

They recognize Lehigh Valley high school seniors whose outstanding scholastic achievements, leadership and community service activities have enabled them to be a positive influence on their fellow students, their schools and their community. Each student was presented a scholarship at the awards ceremony.

Sell is planning to study actuarial science and mathematics. She has attained a 100.23 GPA out of 104 and was valedictorian of her class of 118. She has made the distinguished honor roll in every marking period at CHS. Sell was the student representative to the school board and was a student tutor.

She served as president of her class all four years and as treasurer of Students Against Destructive Decisions. She was the captain of the field hockey team and received 2nd Team All-Colonial League honors in field hockey. She also participated in Power of Ten, basketball, German Club, CHS Student Council and Varsity "C" Club. She volunteered at the Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter and Haunt for Hunger Food Drive.

Brennan will attend Grove City College to study secondary education.

He was salutatorian of his class of 32 and has attained a grade-point average of 4.22 out of 4.0. He is a member of National Honor Society and won outstanding academic performance awards at LVCHS. He has been president of his student government and served as school chaplain.

Brennan was a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Leader and also has won the Moses Leadership Award. He has participated in LVCHS Drama Club, choir, basketball, track and field and as projector operator for the praise team.

He has volunteered at Lehigh Valley Grace Brethren, Salem United Church of Christ, Bethlehem Christian School of Cherryville Outreach and Lehigh Christian Academy Outreach.