Whitehall-Coplay School Board members began their May 28 meeting by recognizing the work of Whitehall High School Student Council President and board representative Alondra Ayala. This meeting was Ayala’s final meeting as a student, graduating June 3 as a member of the Class of 2024.

It was announced during the meeting that Ayala will be attending Boston University in the fall.

“We certainly enjoyed working with her and hearing from her every month,” Superintendent Dr. Robert Steckel said, adding, “I’m sure you’ll make us proud.”

The meeting continued with a presentation about the district’s annual science fair at Zephyr Elementary School.

The science fair had 20 participants and six judges. The students involved were required to write a proposal, attend two after-school sessions and present their projects during the school’s open house in May.

Students Sophia Doyle and Natalie Salloum presented their projects to the board. Doyle was the school’s first-place winner, and Salloum placed second. Board member Fady Salloum offered both students tickets to the new DaVinci Science Center in downtown Allentown in recognition of their accomplishments.

Teacher Christine Saylor, a paraeducator at Zephyr Elementary, then gave a presentation about her experiences during the 2023-24 school year.

“I feel that I have gained new knowledge that will help me to draw out other potential leaders in the paraeducator role,” Saylor said. “I am excited to see the transformation this program can continue to make for paraeducators in the years to come. I look forward to potentially serving as a leader in the future.”

Following Saylor’s presentation, the board asked Morgan Polony, a third-grade teacher at Steckel Elementary School, to step forward. Polony was recognized by U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th, on the House of Representatives floor during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Wilde’s recognition read as follows:

“I want to recognize Morgan Polony, a third-grade teacher at Steckel Elementary School in Lehigh County. As a Whitehall High School graduate herself, Morgan is deeply connected to her community, both inside and outside the classroom. She has served as a high school softball coach, teacher leader, mentor and active participant in various district committees. Her students and colleagues know they can always count on her for encouragement, leadership and a positive attitude.

“Morgan’s impact in Whitehall goes beyond teaching,” Wild continued. “She actively participates in community events and fundraising for organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. Her presence is felt at her students’ sporting events and spirit days, where her colleagues said her school spirit is truly unmatched. Thank you, Morgan, for your unwavering dedication to our shared community.”

“Whitehall-Coplay is a better place because of her,” Steckel added.