Fourteen Lehigh Valley high seniors were recognized April 13 for their embodiment and moral practice of altruism by the Lehigh Valley chapter of Travelers Protective Association of America Post L during its Altruism Award banquet at the Northampton Banquet and Event Center.

Three students from Bethlehem area schools were honored.

During the banquet, Patricia Palencar, TPA secretary, explained that 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.

Cara Magliochetti from Bethlehem Catholic was nominated by her school counselor, Anette Nielsen, for her outstanding performance both in and outside the classroom. Cara serves as senior class president and is the varsity girls’ tennis captain. She guides her retreat team as a leader and active member while she also participates in the Key Club and the National Honor Society.

In her spare time, Cara is an altar server at her local congregation, while she also maintains her athletics as the national champion for the United States Tennis Association Junior Team Tennis. Nielsen mentioned that Cara brings up her friends academically and is truly “one of a kind.” She will be studying history with a minor in psychology this fall.

Josiah Peters of Freedom HS was nominated by his counselor, Melanie Hauser. He is an active member of the choir and is known for his mental health advocacy. While maintaining his grades and being a member of the National Honor Society, he also finds time to lead and listen to his peers.

Josiah will be attending Moravian College this fall for Nursing. His counselor went on to say that “many lives will be touched” by Josiah, as he is kind and generous, and will make a great impact in the healthcare world.

Liberty HS’s Jessica Esch was nominated by her Spanish teacher, Jennifer Chomo. Jessica is the president of the student government and the National Honor Society. She has planned all of the major school events this year, while still finding time to plan service projects.

Jessica excels academically and “is the real deal,” according to Chomo. She is an extraordinary person and student and will be deeply missed by faculty and staff. Jessica will be attending Villanova University this fall for computer science with a minor in theology.

Guest speaker Tony Ianelli, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, shared his own story, which started when his father lost the family business that Ianelli planned on taking over.

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.