Those who have the ability to conquer their fears are much more likely to succeed in life.

That was among the pieces of advice Meghan Hoffner conveyed to Palmerton Area Junior High School's finest.Hoffner served as guest speaker to the students at a banquet held recently at the Blue Ridge Country Club in Palmerton.A former Palmerton graduate, Hoffner attained her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Penn State University, and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Arcadia University.Hoffner also completed clinical rotations at Pocono Medical Center, Lehigh Valley Hospital, and Abington Memorial Hospital. Currently, she is a Rhematology Specialist at Coordinated Health.As part of her speech, Hoffner told the students it was important to take a chance and face their fears. Hoffner also expressed to the students how fortunate they are to have several terrific teachers in the district to learn from.Thad Kosciolek, junior high school principal, and Kevin Carroll coordinated the awards presentation.Seventh grade honorees were Tasia Biege; Jonathan Blichar; Lauren Fegely; Garrison Frank; Jade Horwith; Kristen Keiper; Kody Kolnik; Mercedes Melo; Alyssa Olewine; Garrett Perschy; Alanna Shivone; Makayla Smale; Emily Smith; and Ashley Weiner.To be selected, students had to be among the top 10 students in the seventh grade class and/or first in their respective working sections as of the end of the third marking period.Eighth Grade honorees for the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence were Alyssa Acker; Seth Andress; Jagr Andress; Brynn Boehler; Rhianna Delich; Benjamin Everett; Lila Goodhile; Shelby Gower; Spencer Hay; Scott Heffelfinger; Shaelyn Heft; Tyler King; Caitlyn Kresge; Daegan Mokshefski; Brock Moyer; Kendra Pekurny; Emel Rasim; Devon Santos; Gavin Scott; Vithusha Selvavelautham; Bailey Shirk; Zachary Storm; Zachary Svetik; Jacqueline Tracy; Cowan Unger; Jenna Wallace; Nash Wenner; and Monica Wood.To be selected, each student had to average at least a 90-percent grade for the first three marking periods of eighth grade and scored advanced in Math and Reading on the PSSA.The Sen. Argall Good Citizenship Award was presented to Erika Beers and Owen Miller. The award exemplifies the qualities of good citizenship through the display of outstanding character, leadership, and scholarship. Students demonstrate the willingness to accept responsibility and challenges put forth by the administration and faculty.