Solimar Chung is one of LCTI’s schoolwide award winners for the Class of 2026.

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 Solimar Chung, a Louis E. Dieurff High School student in LCTI’s Painting & Design program. Academic Center Principal Michael Strohl honored Solimar on Thursday (May 28, 2026) 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 Social Studies teacher James Dawson joined Solimar on stage for the award presentation.

Solimar’s English teacher, Doug Troxell, described her as a creative mind who always brings positive energy to the classroom. He said she challenged herself by enrolling in dual-enrollment courses during junior and senior years, and met that challenge with an unmatched work ethic and determination.

Solimar, an 18-year-old Allentown resident, also excelled in her career and technical education program, winning the Outstanding Senior Award and earning a Pennsylvania Skills Certificate for scoring advanced on the NOCTI exam.

Her Painting & Design teacher, Keith Lyons, said, “Academically, Solimar is a powerhouse who defines consistency. Her resume is decorated with numerous nominations for Student of the Month and Student of the Quarter, alongside recurring appearances on the Principal’s List.

“Balancing the rigors of the Academic Center while maintaining active membership in both the National Technical Honor Society and the National Honor Society at Dieruff requires extraordinary discipline.”

She is an excellent example of what an LCTI student should be, and will be missed in the Academic Center, Mr. Strohl said.

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, Solimar! This is how we achieve! #weachieve