Northern Lehigh honors SAP award winners and long‑serving retirees

The Northern Lehigh School District used part of its March meeting to recognize a statewide honor for its student assistance work and to acknowledge multiple long‑serving educators who are retiring.

Superintendent Dr. Ray announced that Northern Lehigh Middle School was named the only secondary SAP (Student Assistance Program) award winner in Pennsylvania this year. The middle‑school principal introduced the SAP team and read portions of the award citation, which praised the team for identifying barriers to learning, supporting research‑based prevention programs and fostering positive connections with students, parents and the community. The liaison from the Center for Humanistic Change, Wendy Textler, called the middle‑school team exemplary and said it stood out among the 150 schools she oversees.

The board also recognized retirees across the district. Among those honored were Julie Everett (34 years, biology teacher), Gail Lafferty (38 years, elementary teacher and intervention coordinator), Dr. Deanna Quay (18 years, chemistry and German teacher), Tim Weber (28 years of service, also noted for association leadership), David Carroll (28 years, music teacher) and Kathy Reese (administrative secretary, 11 years in that role). Speakers praised each retiree’s contributions; several asked that donations requested by retirees be directed to local libraries or the Northern Lehigh Education Foundation as the retirees requested.

The board displayed the SAP award and said the certificate and award will be on exhibit in the middle‑school office; administrators said they will return later in the year for an end‑of‑year data presentation and additional recognition items.