Northampton Area High School senior Sage Minton received the Travelers Protective Association of America’s Altruism Award April 7 for her dedication to her peers and those in her community. Christina Thrash, a guidance counselor at Northampton Area High School, spoke on Minton’s behalf, saying she was chosen because of the influence she has had on the school community and by virtue of her passion to help and care for others.

When Minton was a sophomore, she asked Thrash about starting a new club at the school called the Volunteer Club, which would perform service for both the school and the community. With Minton’s influence, the Volunteer Club grew in popularity and it is now a permanent club at the high school, as well as the club with the largest following - nearly 100 student members. The volunteers visit Gracedale Nursing Home monthly, offer regular tutoring for students needing extra assistance and help at the local food bank on a monthly basis. At Christmas, the Volunteer Club decorated a Christmas tree in the lobby with ornaments indicating a different gift to purchase for a child in the hospital. Last year, gifts were distributed at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia; this year, they were delivered to the Pediatric wing at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Through Minton’s leadership and influence, the Volunteer Club will continue to thrive and will aim to make Minton proud by continuing her legacy of giving to those in need, Thrash said.

The TPA Altruism Award honors those with a selfless concern for the well-being of others, and the staff at NAHS unanimously determined that Minton was the best example of altruism.

The TPA Post L in the Lehigh Valley is a national nonprofit organization and the largest post of the Pennsylvania division.

Guest speaker Scott Hovan shared his story about how TPA positively impacted the life of his son Cole, who was born deaf and who was a recipient of a grant from TPA.

Additionally, guest speaker John B. Reilly, J.D., CPA, thanked Minton and her fellow TPA award recipients for their service and dedication and offered some wisdom and well wishes for their future endeavors. Reilly is founder and CEO of City Center, responsible for development in the City of Allentown.