The Whitehall-Coplay School District inducted Edward J. Galgon Sr., Kenneth A. Clauser, George L. Pavelko Jr., Lt Col, USAF, Ret., and Paul J. Geissinger into its Zephyr Graduates of Distinction, Class of 2017, April 20.

The induction took place in the auditorium of Whitehall High School just before selected high school students were inducted into National Honor Society.

The Graduates of Distinction award, created by former school board member Joyce Wheeler and the district’s Director of Curriculum Dr. Barbara Chomik, recognizes WHS graduates who have had accomplishments in academic achievement, music, the arts, civic or military service, community service and significant personal achievements.

Chomik spoke about the accomplishments of each recipient, starting with Galgon, who graduated in 1939, being recognized for his military and community service.

Chomik told of Galgon’s accomplishments, including military service during World War II and serving as Whitehall Township treasurer for 26 years. He was elected Whitehall Township’s first executive, serving for eight years, and Whitehall Chamber of Commerce’s first president. He was chairman of the Lehigh County Democratic Committee, vice president of the Whitehall Democratic Club, director of the Allentown Fair, establishing the Miss Lehigh Valley Pageant, founder of Whitehall Recreation Commission and member of the team that formed Whitehall Township Senior Citizens Club.

Galgon’s son, Edward J. Jr., accepted the award on behalf of his late father. He thanked the district for the award and spoke about his father’s commitment to the community.

“To you students, he would say, be involved, lend a helping hand whenever you can. It will come back to you one day,” Galgon said to the NHS honorees.

Clauser, a graduate of the Class of 1949, was recognized for his contribution to the arts and community service. He began his interest in photography while attending Whitehall High School, according to Chomik, and worked for The Morning Call for 27 years, receiving numerous awards, including Photographer of the Year for four consecutive years.

Clauser served as a photographic supervisor and senior audio visual specialist in PPL’s corporate communications department, was involved in Scouting and judged many photography competitions.

He was unable to attend the ceremony but sent a video message.

“I would tell the students to follow their dreams and they will come true,” Clauser said.

Pavelko, a 1978 WHS graduate, was recognized for his community and military service.

Chomik presented his accomplishments, including becoming second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and completing navigating training as a distinguished graduate. He was the chief navigator for Air Force One and navigated more than 1 million air miles.

Pavelko told students his four tips for success.

“Work ethic - showing up early and staying late. Help the person beside you. There is no such thing as that’s not my job,” he said.

“Personal interaction - I’ve learned to be honest, civil, learned to listen.

“Depth of experience - always look to better yourself.

“Failure is not your friend. It’s to be avoided at all cost. And if you fail, learn from it,” Pavelko said.

A member of the Class of 1999, Geissinger was recognized for his community service and his contribution to the arts.

According to Chomik, Geissinger is a classically trained composer, producer and artist who works under the moniker Starky. He is the co-owner of the internationally distributed labels Seclusiasis and Noremixes.

His music has been featured in commercials for British Airways, Adidas, GoPro and on shows on MTV and BBC1. His work has been recognized in the Cannes Film Festival’s short film category.

Geissinger told students to look at “service and a willingness to work for those in need, without pay. We need to give our abilities to create a better tomorrow.”