The Concourse Club of Palmerton recently held its first in-person meeting of the club year at Quiet Hills Lavender Farm.

Each year, the Concourse Club recognizes five female high school seniors for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills in extracurricular activities, and involvement in our community.

The seniors - Emily Ann Baumgardt, Molly Katherine Campbell, Carissa Ilene Fallon, Gina Marie Laviolette and Megan Ashley Serfass - received a certificate, a check and an engraved star charm.

Emily Ann Baumgardt

Emily is the daughter of Jeana and Matthew Baumgardt. She has a sister, Ella, and a brother, Eric. Emily enjoys running, kayaking and baking in her free time.

Her extracurricular activities include Student Council, NHS, Environmental Club, Leo Club, softball and field hockey.

Emily participates in a youth group and volunteers at the Palmerton library and Palmerton Community Festival. Previous awards include Colonial League Academic All-Star, high honors, No. 2 class rank, Morning Call Field Hockey Honorable Mention, and FBLA State Qualifier in Computer Applications.

Emily will be attending St. Joseph’s University to major in finance, with the hope of becoming a financial analyst on Wall Street.

Emily gave special recognition to her mother as her Guiding Star for her constant support, encouragement and inspiration.

Molly Katherine Campbell

Molly is the daughter of Krista Campbell. She enjoys music, hikes, and spending time with friends and family.

Molly’s school activities include drama, concert band, chorus, FBLA, and writing for the Avenger and yearbook. She is the drum major of the marching band.

Community activities include participation in Toys for Tots for the Drama Club, and six years of volunteering at Forgotten Felines and Fidos. Her previous awards include Best Supporting Actress, first place in marketing for FBLA, and third place in hospitality and event management for FBLA.

Molly’s future plan is to attend Penn State main campus to major in public relations. Her dream job is to be a publicist/marketer for a band. Molly recognized Natalie Madeira, Palmerton music teacher, as her Guiding Star for 13 years of musical instruction, sparking her love of music.

Carissa Ilene Fallon

Carissa is the daughter of Sheri and Craig Fallon. She has a brother, Riley. Carissa’s hobbies include biking, walking, running on trails, playing soccer, going on road trips, shopping, and spending time with her family.

At school, Carissa serves as vice president of the class of 2021 and is the FBLA secretary. She participates in varsity soccer, NHS, and Environmental Club.

Community activities include volunteer work through her church, FBLA, and NHS.

Previous awards include High Honors-ninth grade through twelfth grade, 2017-18 Colonial All-Star Soccer Honorable Mention, 2018-19 All-Area Soccer Honorable Mention, 2020 Soccer Scholar Athlete Nominee, 2019 and 2020 State Qualifier for FBLA, and 2020 National Qualifier for FBLA.

Carissa’s future plan is to attend Penn State Harrisburg to major in marketing, with a minor in Spanish. She will participate in women’s soccer and Honor’s College.

Carissa’s goal is to be a marketer in New York City. Carissa recognized her mother as her Guiding Star for her commitment, sacrifices, and encouragement.

Gina Marie Laviolette

Gina is the daughter of Gretchen and Chuck Laviolette. She has a sister, Ghyslyn, and a brother, Jason. Gina enjoys exploring the arts as her hobby. In school, Gina is vice president of NHS, treasurer of the International Travelers Club, vice president of Mock Trial, president of FBLA, secretary of Drama Club, treasurer of Chorus, secretary-treasurer of Marching Band, and is a member of Concert Band.

Gina volunteers at the Community Festival to support the community. Previous awards include membership in NHS, three-time FBLA State Qualifier, two-time National FBLA Qualifier, five-time Best Witness Winner Mock Trial, and current Valedictorian.

Gina’s future education plan is to study biochemistry and integrative physiology with a minor in Spanish, on the pre-med track at the University of Colorado Boulder medical school. Her goal is to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Gina recognized her father as her Guiding Star for his constant support and encouragement to always strive for her best.

Megan Ashley Serfass

Megan is the daughter of Mark and Jill Serfass. She has a brother, Corey. Megan enjoys playing field hockey and softball. She skis, hunts and fishes as well.

In school, Megan is an officer in NHS, School Council, and FBLA. She is a member of the Environmental Club and Leo Club. She is a captain on both the field hockey and softball teams.

Megan participates in many service-orientated activities in the community, as well as her grandparents’ church. She volunteers as a member of the National Ski Patrol at Blue Mountain. Previous awards include membership in NHS, Times News/LVHN Player of the Week, No. 3 class rank, and Lehigh Valley Live All-Area Field Hockey Honorable Mention.

Megan plans to attend Lock Haven University to major in health sciences/pre-physician assistant studies, with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgery physician assistant.

Megan recognized her mother as her Guiding Star for her constant support, positive outlook, and selfless manner.