Adrian Anatalio sat patiently outside Whitehall High School’s Large Group Instruction room April 11.

Adrian, a Zephyr junior, had been selected by Whitehall High School administrators to receive the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Outstanding Leader of Character. A yearly award sponsored by the West Point Society of the Lehigh Valley, the Dwight D. Eisenhower award recognizes high school juniors who exhibit exceptional performance and leadership potential in the areas of academics, athletics, community service and good citizenship.

As the clock neared 8 a.m., Adrian was accompanied in the room by his school counselor Linda MacGill. The two discussed what would happen in the room shortly, as Adrian happily joked that he was glad that he would not be “forced” to make a speech.

Soon Adrian was greeted by fellow classmates from the Zephyr Chorale, faculty administration members, Principal Christopher Schiffert and members of the Anatalio family, which included Adrian’s mother, Aljane, and father, Noel. Lastly Adrian was greeted by Mike Tauber, who graduated from Whitehall in 1988 and was there to represent the West Point Society of the Lehigh Valley. Tauber has presented the Dwight D. Eisenhower award to student nominees for eight consecutive years.

As the ceremony began, the Zephyr Chorale belted out a beautiful rendition of the national anthem before Mrs. MacGill stood up to say a few words.

“Adrian is an altruistic individual and is always willing to assist his peers, faculty and his church community in various endeavors.” MacGill said. “He demonstrates outstanding academic potential and is decidedly someone with whom our faculty places trust with leadership opportunities. What I admire most about Adrian is that he is humble and grounded.

“Adrian aspires to pursue a major in a health care track, possibly physical therapy,” MacGill said. “His potential to achieve his goals is outstanding.”

A list of Adrian’s extracurricular activities include Math League, Spanish Club, SERVE Club (volunteerism), Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society and Peer Mentoring.

Adrian is also an altar server with his church youth group and is a member of both the cross country and track and field teams for Whitehall.

Tauber then presented Adrian with the award. Adrian’s name was put on a plaque that hangs inside Whitehall High School and bears the names of previous winners. Adrian received a certificate and a book titled “In Search of Ethics” by Len Marrella, a West Point graduate turned motivational speaker.

“Right place, right time, right character” announced Tauber as he presented the plaque to Adrian.

Once the ceremony had concluded, those in attendance were treated to some refreshments. Adrian smiled and said after this rigorous school year, he was looking forward to summer vacation.