The Lehighton Sesquicentennial Committee has announced the finalists for its Citizen of the Century Contest.

The Top 3 Living finalists are Mark Hoffman, John "Wassy" Lynn Sr. and James Wentz.The Top 3 posthumous finalists are Ray Koons, Paul Smith and Dr. Marvin Snyder.Committee secretary Autumn Abelovsky praised all those who took the time to submit nominations for the contest."We were extremely pleased with the community's participation in this endeavor," she said.Voting will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday outside of the Pfc. Clyde R. Houser Jr. Building. Votes will cost $1, and in return, the voter will receive a limited edition commemorative sesquicentennial token.The names of all of who received nominations will also be displayed.Abelovsky said the living winner will be featured in the Sesquicentennial Parade, along with the family of the posthumous winner. They will also be honored during the event's closing ceremony on July 2.The borough will celebrate its sesquicentennial over an eight-day span starting Saturday through July 2.About the finalistsMark Hoffman has served as chairman of the Lehighton Area Pool Pals since 2006, and is the chairman for the Lehighton Shade Tree Commission, leading the '150 Trees for 150 Years' Initiative.John Lynn Sr. is a former Golf Pro at Mahoning Country Club, Franklin Township Little League umpire, and Lehighton Booster Club coach.James Wentz is a former teacher and administrator in Lehighton Area School District for over 30 years, a former football and track coach, a volunteer at Gnaden Huetten Hospital, a Korean War Veteran, served on Lehighton Borough Council and Sunday school teacher.Ray Koons was a teacher and coach in Lehighton Area School District for over 30 years, volunteered in the community, and is a Korean War veteran.Paul Smith was a music teacher and director for 44 years, and founded the Zion Opera Workshop in 1970.Dr. Marvin Snyder served as a doctor in the Korean War, and was a family physician in Lehighton for 40 years.