Each year the Concourse Club of Palmerton honors five Guiding Stars from the Palmerton Area High School. The Guiding Stars are selected by the high school guidance staff.

A Guiding Star must be a female in the top 25 percent of the senior class, display leadership qualities in school activities, and participate in community programs. Each Guiding Star receives an engraved Guiding Star charm, a certificate and a $100 cash reward.

Grace Mackenzie Costenbader was recognized at the Jan. 9 Concourse Club meeting at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Grace is the daughter of Kelli and Michael Costenbader. She has a sister, Avery Neipert, who was recognized as a Guiding Star in January 2018.

Grace’s guests at the meeting were her mom, Kelli Costenbader; sister, Avery Neipert; grandmother, Cheryl Allen; best friend, Erica Messics; and Jennie Messics, Erica’s grandmother. Grace recognized her grandmother and mother as her Guiding Stars. Their compassion, love and strength continually inspire Grace.

Grace’s hobby is playing tournament softball. Her school activities include National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Drunk Driving, Environmental Club, Aevidum, Leo Club, volleyball, softball, concert band and marching band. During the meeting, Grace shared an FBLA publication design competition project which showcased her creativity, organization and public speaking skills. She and her project partner, Erica Messics, competed on the national level. Grace has participated in community events in Palmerton, such as community meals, St. John’s Episcopal Church breakfast bunch and the Bo Tkach Turkey Trot.

Grace plans to attend Elizabethtown College to earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Her goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist.

The Concourse Club extends best wishes to Grace for continued success as she reaches for the stars and guides others.