The nifty nine.

That's how many Palmerton Area High School students were acknowledged for their excellence in academics.The students were honored at the Palmerton Exchange Club's Youth of the Month meeting held recently at Bert's Steakhouse.After dinner, the students were recognized by the Exchange Club from each of the various subject areas at the high school with certificates and flash drives.The students along with the subject areas include Lyndsey Heinrich (Art); Jillian Farkas (Science); Andrew McReynolds (Spanish); Samantha Smith (Social Studies); Amanda Gibson (Math); Zach Watson (Industrial Arts); William Heinick (Music); Blake Campbell (English); and Rachael Reichenbach (Computers/Technology).The organization is always excited to recognize students for their academic excellence, said Anna Strohl, president of the Exchange Club."The Exchange Club is very pleased to be able to honor these fine young ladies and gentlemen for their fine academic achievements," Strohl said.The Exchange Club also sponsors the Top Ten Percent Dinner at the Terrace Restaurant in May, where a scholarship is presented to one student who meets the Exchange Club's criteria to further their education.Also at that event, another check is given to a Carbon Career & Technical Institute student from the Palmerton Area School District, while an eighth grade student of the year receives a plaque and certificate.