Northampton Area High School senior Kate Gogel was chosen to receive the Travelers Protective Association of America’s Altruism Award April 12 for her dedication, humility and commitment to giving back to the community at large.

The TPA Altruism Award honors those with a selfless concern for the well-being of others, and the staff at NAHS unanimously determined Gogel was the most shining example of altruism at the high school. Kimberly Butryn, a guidance counselor at NAHS, spoke on Gogel’s behalf, saying, “She has balanced academics, athletics, work and volunteering and has always given her best to all of these things.”

Gogel gave up her study periods in high school to be a peer helper for NAHS’ special needs students. She has also assisted in the Special Olympics for all four of her high school years. Gogel is a member of Student Council and has been involved in many opportunities for volunteering throughout her high school career, including a MiniTHON organizer, staff luncheon organizer for Educators Week and a volunteer with Homecoming events, to name a few. Gogel serves as a DECA officer and has organized two 5K races, which have raised money for both the Ironton Rail Trail and Peaceable Kingdom. Additionally, Gogel has spent eight years volunteering for Dream Come True and two years at Camp Invention.

Gogel was selected as Northampton’s representative for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Student of the Year and was able to manage the project well in addition to her academics and other activities. She surpassed her own goal by raising $11,900.21 in this event. Gogel will attend St. Joseph’s University and will major in business. She plans to continue playing field hockey at the college level as well.

Katrina Fritz, MA, BSN, RN, was a guest speaker at the event, held at Northampton Banquet & Event Center, and shared stories about her numerous years in the health industry, as well as her personal journey through life and what she learned along the way. Fritz thanked Gogel and her fellow peers for their service and dedication to the community and for serving as an outstanding example for others to follow.

Fritz reminded recipients to “always be the best version of yourself and to accept that version will change as you learn and grow in life.”

She also cautioned seniors to not let labels define or limit them on their journey and to find ways to use their talents and bright light to set themselves apart from others. Fritz 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 offers Children Have An IDentity (CHAD) stickers for placement on child safety seats to facilitate child identification in the event of emergencies.