The Lehigh Valley chapter of Travelers Protective Association of America Post L held its annual Altruism Award banquet event at Northampton Banquet and Event Center, 1601 Laubach Ave., April 13.

The fraternal benefit society honored select students from 14 local high schools to receive a monetary award for their embodiment and moral practice of altruism.

Guest speaker Tony Ianelli was present and gave a motivational opening speech.

Ianelli is the president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and hosts the Business Matters segment on WFMZ-TV 69 News. He shared his rise to success story, which started when his father lost the family business Ianelli planned on taking over. He brought warm and genuine advice for the students before moving on to the award portion of the evening.

During the banquet, Patricia Palencar, TPA secretary of the Lehigh Valley chapter, explained the award in the amount of $100 would be presented to each student by TPA Post L Lehigh Valley President Donald D. Schwartz following a short speech from their nominator.

Salisbury high school’s senior student Carlee Ziegenfus was honored at the 2023 Altruism Awards.

Ziegenfus was nominated by school counselor Allison Moyer for her true embodiment of the principle of altruism. She was described as a kind, empathic person “who is always down to listen,” as expressed by her counselor.

Ziegenfus participates in the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute’s Emerging Health Professionals program, where she studies anatomy and physiology while shadowing health care professionals. In her spare time, she is heavily involved in the arts, specifically with theater and chorus. The altruism award recipient participates in many school clubs, such as Student Government, Students Taking Active Roles (STAR) and Key Club. After high school graduation, Ziegenfus will continue her education at DeSales University as a nursing major.

Following the banquet ceremony, the room was booming with applause yet humbly quiet as young students’ triumphant and heartfelt stories were shared.

There was no crumb of doubt that these students would go on to be successful and innovative members of society. The attendees left the ceremony feeling proud and hopeful for all of the students’ futures.

The TPA Post L was established in 1882 and initially benefited traveling salesmen across America, but has extended memberships to those who are considered preferred risks. The organization has since helped society in various ways - such as the Children Have an Identity (CHAD) stickers and Officer Ollie safety programs.