Rebekka Kiefer Honored at Capital in Harrisburg

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Blindness and Visual Services, along with the Advisory Committee for the Blind of Pennsylvania recently awarded Rebekka Kiefer the first place Honorable Mention as a High School Transition student. Rebekka attends Albert Gallatin Area High School and was nominated for this award by Pam Neill, Teacher of the Visually Impaired. As one of 30 students entered in the contest, Rebekka and her family attended the Blindness Awareness Exposition in Harrisburg. She addressed the participants concerning her school, the equipment she uses, and her future plans. Her father, Larry Kiefer, also spoke about Rebekka's determination and drive, and about the pride he has for his daughter.

Rebekka currently ranks second out of 290 students in her junior class with an overall 4.1909 grade point average. She is an honor student and member of the National Honor Society as well as the Gifted program. Rebekka also makes time to participate in numerous school and community activities. She is a member of the Bible Club, the Foreign Language Club, and the school's Drama Department, as well as a member of the Center for Performing Arts. Her days are filled with horseback riding, piano lessons, dance lessons, and choir. She has started touring colleges and making plans for her future in hopes of a career as a veterinarian. During this summer, Rebakka will also serve as a Student Ambassador, traveling to Australia with People-to-People.