The Lehighton Education and Athletic Foundation is an independent, charitable organization that has been privately established to cooperate with the Lehighton Area School District in supporting educational programs and extracurricular activities that are outside of the school district’s operational budget.

You may know them for the sponsored bricks and pavers around the Lehighton stadium entrance, grants and scholarships it has given (over $100,000) or the Graduates of Distinction Awards, which began a decade ago.

The program is designed to recognize notable alumni of the Lehighton Area School District who have brought honor to their alma mater through admirable contributions to society or who have achieved notable success in their occupations.

Three to five Graduates of Distinction honorees are chosen each year, with a banquet to celebrate them and presentation of their plaque on the Wall of Honor located in Lehighton Area High School.

The Lehighton Education and Athletic Foundation is currently accepting nominations for this year’s Graduates of Distinction. Applications should be completed by March 1 at leaf-foundation.org/wall-of-honor/nomination-application/.