Kunsman receives altruism award
Northampton Area High School senior Ashley Kunsman was selected to receive the Travelers Protective Association of America’s Altruism Award April 6 for her hard work and tireless dedication to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Angel 34.
The awards ceremony was held at Northampton Banquet & Event Center.
Nadine Rupp, a counselor at Northampton Area High School, spoke on Kunsman’s behalf, saying she was an outstanding member of her senior class and deserves recognition for all the hard work she has done throughout high school to help others.
Kunsman has been a volunteer for a local charity, Angel 34, dedicated to finding a cure to fight against childhood cancer, and a constant dedicated presence with the high school’s Volunteer Club. Kunsman has spent time working at the local food bank and at a summer camp, where she instructed children how to play field hockey.
Kunsman also set a personal goal to raise $10,000 this year for individuals and families affected by leukemia and/or lymphoma - and her goal was achieved by March.
The TPA Altruism Award honors those with a selfless concern for the well-being of others, and the staff at NAHS unanimously determined that Kunsman was the most shining example of altruism at the high school.
Northampton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Samuel P. Murray was a guest speaker at the award event. Murray presides over civil and criminal trials and is an associate judge of domestic relations. He thanked Kunsman and her fellow peers for their service and dedication to the community and for serving as outstanding examples.
Murray also offered well wishes and career advice for the recipients in their future endeavors.
The TPA Post L in the Lehigh Valley is a national nonprofit organization and the largest post of the Pennsylvania division. TPA also has a Post L Deaf and Near Deaf Trust Fund, and at this year’s altruism event, a check was presented to Liberty High School senior Carlo Perugini. A wrestler at Liberty High School, Perugini recently won the District 11 Class 3A championship title.