Lehighton Area High School recently handed out a combined $244,596.91 in academic scholarships during its annual awards ceremony.

“As we are all acutely aware, COVID-19 restrictions the past two academic years have changed practically every aspect of our academic experience,” Principal Sue Howland said. “However, the students selected worked incredibly hard and diligently through extreme times. It is our pleasure to share and celebrate the achievements and talents of our outstanding students.”

All honorees submitted applications, participated in interviews and were all thoroughly vetted by the school’s scholarship committee. Faculty members serving on the scholarship committee selected the student honorees using a “whole student” approach.

“Grades, recommendations, character assessment, and community service are just a few of the criteria used in this selection process,” Howland said. “This group represents the many diverse strengths of Lehighton Area High School student body. These honorees are the personification of Tribe Pride.”

The scholarships, she added, highlight how the Lehighton community supports and recognizes outstanding academic achievement.

“These monetary gifts given to our students will help pay toward the college education of their choice and dreams,” Howland said. “These scholarships not only relieve some of the financial burden of a secondary education, they also publicly recognize the student’s efforts and their overall excellence as a student and individual. All benefits are equally important.”