Every year, West Point Society of Lehigh Valley sponsors the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award to select high schools in the Valley. This year, Catherine Chen won the award for Whitehall High School.

Mike Tauber presented the award on behalf of the society.

“The award is given to high school juniors who exhibit exceptional performance and potential in the areas of academics, athletics, community service, good citizenship and leadership,” he said.

Chen was selected by the high school.

Linda MacGill, who served as Chen’s guidance counselor, explained Chen’s activities.

“While there are so many things to commend her for, she has four National Honor Society awards. During the summer, Catherine will participate in the LEDA Scholars program at Princeton University. She also founded the English Club as part of the National Honor Society,” she said.

Chen accepted the award accompanied by her father, Xingyun Chen, and her mother, Juanyun Wu. There was a brief reception afterward.

The Eisenhower award emphasizes leadership. Richard LaDuke, counseling department leader, and Pat Lorenz, now retired, were instrumental in getting the program introduced at Whitehall.

Meredith Kester, Chad Stefanyak and Amy Madeira, along with MacGill, sorted through a number of promising candidates.

High school Principal Nathan Davidson and Assistant Principals Alicia Knauff and Heather Hampton joined Whitehall-Coplay School District Superintendent Dr. Lori Hackett in congratulating Chen.