Colton Hanzl is presented with the Outstanding Academic Center Senior Award at Senior Recognition Night 2025.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Academic Center is Lehigh Career & Technical Institute’s full-day option for students who want to integrate academic studies with their career and technical training.

One of this year’s two Outstanding Academic Center Senior Award winners is Colton Hanzl, a Whitehall High School student in LCTI’s Automated Industrial Technology program. Academic Center Principal Michael Strohl honored Colton on Thursday (May 29, 2025) at PPL Center during the school’s annual Senior Recognition Night. The prestigious, schoolwide award was one of five presented at the ceremony. Academic Center Wellness/Fitness teacher Donnie Brensinger joined Colton on stage for the award presentation.

Colton’s English teacher, Donna Miller, describes him as an easy-going student with a stellar sense of humor. Automated Industrial Technology teachers, Greg Merchlinsky and Lisa Heineman, called Colton a leader and a mentor to his peers.

“The other students look up to him and often go to him for help, which he is always happy to offer,” Ms. Heineman said. Mr. Merchlinsky added, “Colton can be summed up in one word: awesome!”

Colton is a National Technical Honor Society member who earned a Pennsylvania Skills Certificate for scoring advanced on the NOCTI. In addition to getting excellent grades, he leads by showing up to class each day with a positive energy that adds to the Academic Center’s sense of community, Mr. Strohl said. “He helps enhance the Academic Center experience for everyone around him, and that’s truly exceptional.”

LCTI’s Outstanding Academic Center Senior Award is presented annually to two full-day seniors who perform at a high academic level and demonstrate the ability to build relationships with their peers and staff while consistently exhibiting professionalism and leadership in the Academic Center.

Congratulations, Colton! This is how we achieve! #weachieve