Northampton Exchange Club’s much-anticipated Youths of the Year recognition - chosen from the Boy or Girl Students of the Month from the Northampton Area High School senior class - was accorded to Katelyn Graver and Tyler Gilliard.

During a ceremony held June 19 at Northampton Banquet and Event Center, the graduating NAHS honorees received an engraved Youth of the Year plaque from the National Exchange Club, a $500 scholarship and a standing ovation from club officers and members attending the Service to Youth dinner program.

The judging was based on academics, activities, grades, achievements and an essay, which had a theme titled “How I Am a Catalyst in My Community.” Graver and Gilliard read their essays at the program.

Dr. Rodger Berg, program chairman, in the keynote address, likened the award to the pair as “a culmination, a finale to their years at NAHS.”

Excellence is how Berg described their status as young people and students, certain their leadership skills will bode well for them in the next chapter of their lives - Graver at Muhlenberg College and Gilliard at The Pennsylvania State University.

Berg expressed “total confidence” both students will continue their service and leadership. He credited their parents for establishing roots for the honorees in a positive fashion from when they were very young.

Graver was the October Girl of the Month, and Gilliard was the November Boy of the Month. Each were members of National Honor Society and participated in numerous in-school and out-of-school activities. They both were volunteers for and received scholarships from various organizations.