A student who spent the last two years sitting in on Northern Lehigh School Board meetings received a fond farewell.

Danielle Dougherty, the senior student representative to the school board, was acknowledged for her contributions at last week’s school board meeting.

Superintendent Matthew J. Link said it was also bittersweet for him, because it was the last time he would get to hear her give a report.

“You’ve really grown into your role over the last two years,“ Link said. “So to see you in your first one as a junior to where you finished up this night tonight has been quite a remarkable process to watch.”

Link said he reached out to high school administration, some of Dougherty’s teachers, counselors, and asked them to tell a little bit about her. “So, what I’m going to share, Danielle, comes from the people that have had the privilege of watching you grow over the last four years at the high school.”

“Danielle is a diligent and dedicated student,” Link read. “She strives to be the very best at everything she does, and will work hard to achieve it.

“Danielle has superb time management skills and demonstrates academic excellence. As a member of the National Honor Society, Dougherty has helped to start committees for the chapter to increase student involvement, she actively pursues fundraising and volunteer opportunities, and she always leads with integrity.”

Link said Dougherty is also active in her community, as she works part-time as an ice cream server and participates in nonprofit organizations such as Sanctuary at the hospital, Slatington Trail cleanup and Rotary Club events.

He said Dougherty’s activities at Northern Lehigh consists of being a member of Northern Lehigh Student Council, National Honor Society, Northern Lehigh High School Class of 2023 as vice president and president.

Link said Dougherty is a member of SADD, and a student representative to the board since 2020.

He said Dougherty has also participated in sports, defensive back for girls soccer team, and a forward for the girls basketball team.

Link said Dougherty has achieved principal’s list for every semester while attending Northern Lehigh High School, and added, “that is remarkable.”

He said she received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award from West Point Society of the Lehigh Valley and an advanced placement exams score, a 5 for U.S. history and calculus AP Exams.

“A five is the absolute highest you can get on an AP exam,“ he said. “Again, remarkable.”

Link said Dougherty was accepted into the high school Scholar’s Program, has also been the Slatington Woman’s Club Girl of the Month, and also nominated as a Scholar Athlete by her head soccer coach.

The board presented Danielle with a clock as a token of their appreciation for her service to the district.

Dougherty will be attending the University of Miami.