Recent Northampton Area High School graduate Michael Kistler received the Travelers Protective Association of America’s Altruism Award April 11 because of his kind heart and his willingness to volunteer his time to help others.

He is an “all-around great student, athlete and leader,” NAHS Principal Luke Shafnisky said.

The altruism award honors those with a selfless concern for the well-being of others, and the staff at Northampton Area High School determined Kistler was the most shining example of altruism at their high school. Shafnisky spoke on Kistler’s behalf, saying he was selected as both the valedictorian and the High School Scholar at Lehigh University for his senior year.

Kistler was president of his class for all four years at NAHS and was involved in Student Council. He volunteered during the Mini-THON, and he helped raise more than $8,000 last year. Kistler finished his high school career as a four-year starter and four-year letter winner for the wrestling team. He is a two-time state qualifier, and for this past season, he placed seventh in the state. He has had more than 100 career wins and was team captain this past season.

Kistler is modest of his academic and athletic accomplishments and will approach any student he senses does not have a partner or teacher and lends a hand. He also has shown great care and compassion for the school’s students with special needs. Kistler served as a buddy to one of the Life Skills students at the last minute, so he could participate in the Special Olympics. He spent the day helping out and cheering him on. Also, when he learned a student with autism who was being nominated for the prom court liked Metallica, he made special arrangements for a song to be played by that band for the student.

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 Kistler 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 by saying, “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, to 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.

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 more than 100 years and is known for its dedication to safety. The organization offers Children Have An Identity stickers for placement on child safety seats to assist in child identification in the event of automobile accidents and emergencies. They have also implemented the painting of white lines on highways.

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