Lehighton Education and Athletic Foundation (LEAF) recently announced the 2025 Graduates of Distinction.

The award is given to those who have made admirable contributions to society or achieved notable success after graduating from Lehighton. This year’s recipients include Jennifer Blose Eckhart, Class of 1995; Thomas Mase, Class of 1955; Danny Kunkle, Class of 1972; and William Kunkle, Class of 1970.

Tonight, LEAF will celebrate the 2025 Graduates of Distinction for their outstanding achievements and contributions.

For more information, call 833-532-3686 or email info@leaf-foundation.org.

Thomas Mase

Mase is recognized for a lifetime of public service to Lehighton and the surrounding community, including military service, distinguished leadership in law enforcement, service as mayor of Lehighton, and extraordinary dedication to children, families and civic life.

A proud member of the Lehighton High School Class of 1955, Mase has spent a lifetime serving his community with honor, integrity and heart.

His career of service began with the Army National Guard, where he served from 1955 to 1963 and was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He then devoted 26 years to law enforcement, serving as both an officer and later chief of police in Jim Thorpe, where he helped establish the Carbon County Drug Task Force.

He continued his public service as mayor of Lehighton from 2014 to 2017.

Mase’s impact extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. Over the years, he has served as a Lions Club member and president, a football coach, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, a Carbon County constable, and a longtime supporter of youth and community causes. His service also includes 25 years on the Carbon County Children & Youth Advisory Board, fostering more than 40 children, and fundraising for pediatric cancer in memory of his grandson since 2002.

He is known for his enduring pride in Lehighton and his steady community presence. Mase represents a lifetime of leadership, service and generosity.

Danny Kunkle

Kunkle is recognized for his exceptional leadership in education, environmental stewardship and community service, including decades of teaching, visionary work through the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, and a lifelong commitment to conservation and youth development.

Kunkle, a 1972 graduate of Lehighton Area High School, has built a legacy rooted in education, environmental stewardship and service to the Lehighton community.

While at Lehighton, he was Student Council president, a member of National Honor Society, a multisport letterman and recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Science Award and Koons and Long Scholarships. He went on to earn both his bachelor’s degree in secondary education biology and his master’s degree in biology from Kutztown State College.

Kunkle spent 28 years teaching biology, anatomy and physiology, and environmental science at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, while also serving as science department supervisor and chair for 18 years. His influence also reached higher education through adjunct teaching at both Moravian College and Northampton Community College.

Beyond the classroom, he became a transformative force in conservation as the founding executive director of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, where his work helped create nationally recognized environmental education programs, including the Color of Nature Program, and restore damaged land into thriving habitats.

Kunkle has helped lead land preservation efforts in Carbon County, supported youth baseball for many years, helped launch recycling efforts locally, and dedicated his life to protecting the natural environment for future generations. His many honors include the Carbon County Citizen of the Year Award, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Mid-Atlantic Partner of the Year Award, an honorary doctorate from Muhlenberg College, and numerous federal, state and local recognitions. Humble by nature and deeply devoted to Lehighton, Kunkle exemplifies the very spirit of distinction.

William Kunkle

William Kunkle is recognized for a lifetime devoted to education, mentorship, athletics, faith and community service, and for the lasting impact he has made through decades of caring for and guiding young people in Lehighton and beyond.

Kunkle, a member of the Lehighton Area High School Class of 1970, is widely recognized for a lifetime of service, mentorship and unwavering care for young people. During his school years, he excelled both academically and athletically, earning the Lehighton American Legion Award in eighth grade and lettering in both baseball and basketball. He continued his education and baseball career at Kutztown University, graduating in 1974 with a degree in elementary education.

Kunkle devoted 35 years to Whitehall-Coplay Middle School, where he taught fifth grade and later served as a guidance counselor. Throughout his career, he became known not only for his dedication to students, but for the compassion he showed them in moments that mattered most. His nomination reflects this spirit through the story of him personally delivering a Thanksgiving turkey to a student’s family in need, simply because he knew help was needed.

Retirement did not slow his commitment to the next generation. For the past 17 years, he has continued serving students as a substitute teacher in the Lehighton Area School District, where he became a favorite among students and staff alike. He also spent decades coaching and supporting youth sports, including baseball, basketball, Babe Ruth, Legion ball and recreation leagues throughout the region. In church and community life alike, Kunkle has been a steady and generous presence.

Described as one of the sincerest and kindest individuals one could know, he has spent his life making others better through quiet, consistent service.

Jennifer Blose Eckhart

Eckhart is recognized for her outstanding service in ministry, music, leadership and community life, and for using her gifts to inspire others, strengthen the Lehighton community, and create lasting impact through faith, creativity and service.

Eckhart, a 1995 graduate of Lehighton Area High School, has dedicated her life to ministry, music, leadership and service to others.

While at Lehighton, she served as senior class president, participated in show choir and chorus, and was selected for notable speaking opportunities, including the dedication of the Franklin Township Veterans of Foreign Wars memorial and as student representative during a visit by Sen. Rick Santorum.

Eckhart serves as a pastor at Blue Mountain Community Church. She began serving in music ministry full time in 2002 and was ordained as a minister in 2008.

Over the years, she has played a central role in helping the church grow and thrive, overseeing teams, coordinating major services and outreach efforts, and creating meaningful opportunities for others to become involved. Her leadership is marked not only by vision and creativity, but by humility and a deep commitment to bringing people along with her. She is known as a builder of people and a creator of space, someone who helps others step into their own gifts and leadership.

Beyond the church, Eckhart has generously shared her musical talent throughout the community. She has led bands that have performed for more than 20 years at American Cancer Society and Dream Come True telethons, helping raise donations and awareness. She is a singer, songwriter and recording artist whose music has touched audiences locally and beyond.

Whether through ministry, music or community service, Eckhart’s work reflects grace, creativity and a sincere desire to serve. Her life and leadership have made a lasting impact on Lehighton and the many people fortunate enough to know her.