Northampton Exchange Club capped its 2015-16 Service to Youth program June 15, selecting two graduating seniors as Students of the Year, Julia Skrapits and Joseph Fehr, and the ACE (Accepting Challenges for Excellence) Award recipient Tyler Thornton.

Held at Northampton Banquet & Event Center, each award honoree received a $500 scholarship and a National Exchange Club plaque.

Program Chairman Dr. Rodger Berg said Skrapits’s and Fehr’s essays were outstanding, meeting strict criteria of the National Exchange Club that places an emphasis on not only essays but also academic and out-of-school activities.

Responsible Citizenship for a Strong America was the theme for the essays. All Student of the Month honorees, September through May, were invited to submit essays.

Thornton was cited for his many achievements during the school year, overcoming obstacles and succeeding on many levels.

Skrapits and Fehr, who read their essays at the dinner meeting, will have the essays submitted for the district competition; the winners then move onto national judging.

Julia Skrapits, April Girl of the Month, belongs to National Honor Society, chorus, library club, lacrosse, debate club and volunteer club; participated in the spring reading challenge; was Class of 2016’s valedictorian, an AP scholar and EPC (Eastern Pennsylvania Conference) volleyball scholar athlete; and received outstanding lacrosse attack, distinguished honors and second place in the D.A.R.E. essay contest.

Joseph Fehr, November Boy of the Month, belongs to National Honor Society, volunteer club, boys lacrosse and SAAD (Students Against Destructive Decisions); was a DECA state qualifier; and received the President’s Education Award, Student of the Month awards in the math and science departments, honor roll of distinction and second place in the Reflections writing contest.