Nine area high school seniors were honored recently by the Bo Tkach Under the Helmet and Hat Foundation, each receiving $2,000 scholarships in memory of the late Northern Lehigh High School student-athlete.

The students and their parents were the guests of honor at a luncheon held at Macaluso’s at the Lantern, Nesquehoning, where their attributes were shared with foundation members and guests.

Winners of the scholarships included:

Steven Lilly, Carbon Career & Technical Institute, son of Eric and Patricia Lilly.

KaylaAnn Kandy, Jim Thorpe Area High School, daughter of Scott Kandy.

Equan Warner, Lehighton Area High School, son of Tyaisha Wyatt.

Andreas Chaikalis, Marian Catholic High School, son of Andrea Macario and Nicolaos Chaikalis.

Patrick Conway, Northern Lehigh High School, son of Joseph and Sharon Conway.

John Gengaro, Northwestern Lehigh High School, son of Edward and Jill Gengaro.

Brayden Newhard, Palmerton Area High School, son of Brad and Lisa Newhard.

Benjamin Baneravage, Panther Valley High School, son of Norman and Sarah Baneravage.

Raymond Montz, Weatherly Area High School, son of Amanda Montz.

Abbie Guardiani of the foundation, who along with her husband, Joe, chaired the scholarship committee, said the students recognized by the foundation were selected by the faculties of each of the nine area high schools.

She introduced the scholarship winners, reading comments from faculty members and administrators from each school about their respective selected award winner, and added: “Each of the recipients had such great stories that were shared with us by their faculty about their examples of compassion towards others and service to their communities, traits that along with their continued education will take them far in life.

“We hope that they will always remember their roots and continue to give back of their time and talents wherever life may take them.”