About 200 people honored a Summit Hill woman Tuesday, praising her for her contributions to the community, schools, churches and organizations and for serving as a "role model.

Kathy Crampsie was the recipient of the 2015 Shamrock Award from the Panther Valley Irish-American Association during the group's annual banquet held at the Hill Top Community Center in Summit Hill.Crampsie was described by speakers as being the epitome of "love, hospitality, optimism and good cheer."Besides being given the group's annual award, she received several plaques, proclamations, flowers and gifts.Summit Hill Mayor Paul McArdle proclaimed March 17, 2015, as "Kathy Crampsie Day" in the community.This was the 68th annual banquet of the Irish-American Association, which is held each year on St. Patrick's Day.When she accepted the award, Crampsie said, "I am beyond belief to see this many people" in attendance. "It's just overwhelming," she said.At one point while at the podium, she grabbed a guitar saying she feels "more comfortable" standing behind the musical instrument.For decades she has played the guitar and sang as part of her music ministry at both Marian Catholic High School, the former Our Lady of the Valley Elementary School in Summit Hill, Our Lady of the Angels Academy in Lansford, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Summit Hill.As part of her acceptance speech, she played the guitar and sang a song.Her grandchildren surprised her by grouping together and singing "You Are My Sunshine" to her.Kathy's husband, Robert M. Crampsie, received the Shamrock Award in 2007. "I'm not going to hang it above his or below it. I'm going to hang it right next to his, although maybe a little higher," she said.She said she met Robert while they were students at Marian Catholic High School and they became high school sweethearts. The couple has been a member of the Irish-American Association for over 40 years.Years of musicAssociation President Jim Gurka presented the award, telling people how Kathy Crampsie influenced him when she was adviser for the Panther Valley High School Harmony Scholars program 15 years ago.Crampsie has been the adviser for Harmony Scholars for 21 years.Her son, Michael, served as the toastmaster.He said it is fitting the program was held at the Hill Top Community Center, as the hall was the site of the former St. Joseph Catholic School and Our Lady of the Valley Elementary School. He said, "Anyone who went through Our Lady of the Valley experienced music taught by Kathy Crampsie."Some of the other contributions to the community by Crampsie include being a longtime participant in the annual American Cancer Society's telethons, participant in the Christians in Harmony local music group, which has appeared at numerous chuches, a coach to cheerleaders, softball players, volleyball players and aspiring musicians, and a member of the Summit Hill Lions Club, where she serves as eyeglass collection chairman.Her sister-in-law, Sister Anne Crampsie, who gave the invocation, said, "Tonight we celebrate all things Irish, as well as the many blessings God sheds on us each day."She said among those blessings is Kathy.Entertainment was provided by Colin Jones, a former student of Crampsie, and his sister, Kerry (Jones) Uher, who sang numerous songs including some Irish selections.Crampsie's niece Bridgette Smith performed a Celtic dance.Some of the awards given to Crampsie were:• A proclamation by Sen. John Yudichak, who was represented by his Carbon County office manager Brad Hurley. Yudichak also sent a bouquet of flowers.• State Reps. Doyle Heffley and Jerry Knowles gave a proclamation from the State House of Representatives.• Summit Hill Mayor Paul McArdle presented a proclamation.• Carbon County Commissioners Bill O'Gurek, Wayne Nothstein and Tom Gerhard jointly presented a proclamation. All three took turns praising Crampsie with Nothstein saying, "Kathy, you are quite the lady. You are an inspiration, a loving person, a role model."• A certificate of congratulations from Our Lady of the Angels Academy in Lansford.• A gift and a bouquet of flowers from Harmony Scholars of Panther Valley High School.