The Lehighton Borough Police Department has established a new scholarship award.

On Friday, the Lehighton Borough Police Department attended the Lehighton Area School District senior class scholarship awards program, according to borough police Chief Troy Abelovsky.

“This year, the Lehighton Borough Police Department established the Lehighton police ‘Blue-Line Scholarship’ award,” Abelovsky said. “The scholarship was awarded to a promising senior looking to advance their education with a degree in criminal justice.”

Abelovsky said applicants were required to complete an application, have a GPA of 3.4 or higher, complete an essay, and be seeking to advance their education at a college or university in the fall of 2026.

He said the funds used to support this program were acquired from the officers of the police department and not from taxpayers’ funds.

During the fall of 2025, Abelovsky waived the department’s facial hair policy and allowed the officers to participate in “No Shave November/December.”

Officers were able to grow out their beards if they contributed to this scholarship fund.

Abelovsky said the department raised $500 for the “Blue-Line Scholarship” that was presented on Friday.

“Our agency is always looking for ways to give back and support our community,” he said. “Investing in the future leaders of our tomorrow is just another way to give back.”

Abelovsky then congratulated award recipient, senior Carter Hontz.