Connor Rodgers had a seat at the main table, but his role as Jim Thorpe Borough’s first junior councilman over the last two and a half years went far beyond just sitting next to elected decision makers.

He was active in borough discussions, led efforts to clean up tires dumped over the side of Flagstaff Mountain and consistently volunteered at Jim Thorpe’s biannual recycling events.

Thursday, the night before Rodgers was set to graduate from Jim Thorpe Area High School, he received praise from both borough and state officials as he attended his final council meeting in that role.

“He’s been a true member of council,” Council President Greg Strubinger said of Rodgers, who will attend Grove City College in western Pennsylvania this fall to major in political science.

“I’ve had the pleasure of teaching him at the high school, and during the school day, we’d often have conversations about things going on in the borough. He was a member of our master site plan committee for Memorial Park and developed our first borough newsletter. Connor is just one of the most thorough people you’ll meet in everything he does.”

Prior to Rodgers being named junior councilman, he attended meetings with neighbor Bill Malatak, who he called his mentor.

“I didn’t always agree with him, but without him I probably wouldn’t be up here,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers, along with his father, Vince, and some Jim Thorpe Area High School classmates, took on the task of collecting tires thrown over the side of Flagstaff Mountain. Strubinger said Rodgers has collected over 500 tires.

“It runs in his family, but you can really see he cares about the environment and what we’re passing on to the next generation,” Mayor Michael Sofranko said. “He’s over here every time we have a recycling program. His commitment is something that should be admired.”

Sitting at the council table, Rodgers said he has gained a new appreciation for those men and women who serve on governing bodies.

“I can see why very few people run for council,” he said.

“It takes a big time commitment, passion and persistence. You’re never going to please everyone. It’s easy to see the passion this council has for the town. I don’t always agree with their decisions, but I can see they always make their decisions with the best interest of the borough in mind.”

Rodgers received an honorary resolution from the borough Thursday, as well as proclamations from the state House of Representatives and state Senate.