A Northern Lehigh High School senior who made her mark both in and out of the classroom received an emotional send-off.

Olivia Schaeffer, the senior student representative to the district’s school board, was recently recognized by board members for her contributions.

Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Link noted that Schaeffer has served as a student representative to the board for the past two years.

“Olivia has been a tremendous asset in her role as high school representative,” Link said. “She does not simply hold the title, she lives the values of our district each and every day.”

Link added that “through her tireless involvement, leadership and school spirit she has become a true standard-bearer for what it means to be a Northern Lehigh Bulldog. Her commitment to bettering our school community has been both evident and inspiring.”

Link said Schaeffer’s involvement throughout Northern Lehigh includes school activities and athletics, cheerleading for football and basketball, as well as competitive cheer.

He said her other clubs and organizations include Class of 2026 (vice president); student council; National Honor Society (secretary); marching band (vice president); Patriot Club (secretary); Students Against Destructive Decisions (president); German Club (vice president); concert band; “Dog Dish” news anchor; and theater light board operator. Her outside activities include Girl Scouts.

Link said when asked about her favorite memories at Northern Lehigh, Schaeffer singled out seeing the Medevac helicopter land during career fair her freshman year.

He quipped that she also cheered about “the great Northern Lehigh Flood, an event that certainly was not funny at the time, but looking back became one of those unusual moments that impacted everyone together as a school community. And I think that’s a great way to put it, everybody came together as a community, and we do appreciate that.”

Link said that when asked what advice Schaeffer would pass on to the next student representative, she said “don’t be nervous, be confident. I spent my first year worrying about being the representative; my second year I let myself enjoy the experience and realized the board was not going to be judgmental.”

Link then thanked Schaeffer for everything she’s done for the district, and told her she will truly be missed.

Board President Mathias Green also thanked Schaeffer for representing the student body.

Schaeffer will be attending Thomas College in Maine, where she will pursue a dual major in forensic psychology in criminal justice with a concentration in corrections.

She’s also looking forward to joining the women’s rugby team.

Link, on behalf of the district, then presented Schaeffer with a clock as a token of appreciation for her service.