Recent Catasauqua High School graduate Devon Troxell was chosen to receive the Travelers Protective Association of America Altruism Award April 11.

At the time of the award ceremony, Troxell was a senior at CHS.

He was lauded as very responsible, dependable, reliable, cooperative and helpful with his peers and others.

The altruism award honors those with a selfless concern for the well-being of others, and the staff at Catasauqua High School determined Troxell was the most shining example of altruism at their high school. Eric Snyder, a guidance counselor at CHS, spoke on Troxell’s behalf, saying, “Devon is always there and more than willing and able to help in any way he can.”

Troxell was co-captain of the soccer and basketball teams and was heavily involved in many activities at CHS. Troxell was not able to play basketball this year due to an injury but still came to practices and games to cheer on his teammates. He was extremely helpful with the team operations even though he was unable to play himself.

Troxell has served as vice president of his class for all four years and is a volunteer with Catasauqua Fire Department. He did television morning announcements and has been on the Student Advisory Guidance Board since ninth grade.

He was a member of the Varsity C Club and the Digital Media Club and wrote for the Brown and White newspaper.

E. Robert Fritz, manager of pricing at Knoll Inc., was a guest speaker at the event and shared stories about his successful career in business, as well as some of his personal journey through life’s up and downs. Fritz was a Louis E. Dieruff High School graduate and went on to graduate from Kutztown University with a degree in finance.

Fritz commended and thanked Troxell and his peers at the event for their service and dedication to the community and for serving as an outstanding example for others to follow. Fritz offered great advice to the senior student award recipients: “While life is always on the go, remember to slow down and appreciate life.”

He also reminded them they will make mistakes and, when they do, hold themselves accountable but also be willing to forgive themselves. He shared how a positive attitude is everything, and they should always use their talents to make a difference.

Fritz wished the seniors well in all 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 has been around for well over 100 years and is known for their dedication to safety. The organization offers Children Have An Identity (CHAD) stickers for placement on child safety seats to assist in child identification in the event of automobile accidents and emergencies. They implemented the painting of white lines on highways.

TPA also has a Post L Deaf and Near Deaf Trust Fund. At this year’s altruism award event, a check was presented to Parkland High School senior Alex Ocasio.