The Morning Call 2024 Pictures of the Year | PHOTOS

An ostrich is seen Saturday, Oct, 26, 2024, during Boo at the Zoo event at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in North Whitehall Township. This is the final weekend for the trick-or-treat event. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Children and families watch the North American otters on Saturday, Oct, 26, 2024, during Boo at the Zoo event at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in North Whitehall Township. This is the final weekend for the trick-or-treat event. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

The St. Luke’s Nurse Honor Guard’s Jane Fisk gives a lamp to Elspeth Sipple, daughter of the late Dr. Janet Sipple during a memorial service for the late Dr. Janet Sipple Friday, April 5, 2024, at Moravian University in Bethlehem. Sipple, who worked for St. Luke’s and was a visiting professor at Moravian, was honored by St. Luke’s Nurse Honor Guard, which pays tribute to nurses who have died with the Nightingale Ceremony, named for famous nurse Florence Nightingale. During the services, a member of the Honor Guard reads the “Nightingale Pledge” and a sonnet, then places a rose while saying the nurse’s name and, “We honor you this day and give you a white rose to symbolize our honor and appreciation for being our nursing colleague.”(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Blue Mountain Ski Resort employees prepare the slopes Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, for an anticipated opening on Friday.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Lisa MacDonald, of Imperfection is Beautiful, adjusts one of her “imperfect chandeliers” made with reused material. Children could build one of the chandeliers for free on Saturday, April 20, 2024, during Allentown’s fifth annual Earth Day in the Park at Cedar Creek Park. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Sage Tatum, 5, places Easter eggs in her basket Sunday, March 31, 2024, during the Ortiz Ark Foundation’s fifth annual Easter Egg hunt at Stevens Park in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Parkland’s Blake Dergham wrestles Phillipsburg’s Dawson McWilliams in the 119-pound bout Thursday, March 14, 2024, during the Easton Lions Club Classic wrestling match New Jersey vs. District 11 at Easton High School.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

The Easton Marching Band and others parade down Northampton Street on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, to Cottingham Stadium on the eve of the Easton-Phillipsburg football game on Thanksgiving. A parade and community pep rally including a laser light show was held instead of the bonfire due to a county-wide burn ban. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

A pedestrian walks in the falling snow Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Bethlehem.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Roller coaster enthusiast Iby Shaw, of Schnecksville, photographed going upside down through a loop, achieved a remarkable feat on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, with his 1,000th ride on Dorney Park’s Iron Menace. Since the ride’s opening on April 17, Shaw relentlessly pursued his goal and reached the milestone on Friday. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Dieruff High School’s Ronald Suarez fields the ball while leaping over Allen’s Adrian Garcia during an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference game against Allen at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Allentown Streets employees prepare to put a spreader on the back of a truck Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at the city’s Department of Public Works site on Grammes Road in Allentown. The National Weather Service has stated snow is likely this weekend in the Lehigh Valley, however it’s not clear yet how much will fall.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

The Hawk Mountain Highlanders perform in the Allentown St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 17, 2024.(Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Logan Miles throws dice in the air as he plays a Race to Launch space game Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, during Reach Cyber Charter School’s curiosity carnival-themed back-to-school event at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Jamison Tice uses an air cannon station to blow over a tower of cups Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at the Blastoff!/Air Properties area during Reach Cyber Charter School’s curiosity carnival-themed back-to-school event at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Jenvirick Dewinvt repairs his bicycle tire during an open house Monday, April 15, 2024, to announce Community Bike Works in Allentown will host the national 2024 Youth Bike Summit in Allentown. The event is expected to bring to draw up to 400 youth and their advocates from youth bike programs across the country. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Nazareth’s Naomee Adisa competes in girls pole vault Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the District 11 Track & Field Championships at Blue Mountain High School in North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County.

Boys compete in the 3200m relay Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the District 11 Track & Field Championships at Blue Mountain High School in North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County.

Nativity BVM’s Liam Messina competes in boys high jump Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the District 11 Track & Field Championships at Blue Mountain High School in North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County.

Tony Iannelli, president and CEO, of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, performs with Allen High School Theatre Department members Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, during the chamber’s annual meeting at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Ryan Mackenzie speaks during the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce annual meeting Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Broughal Middle School student Victoria Morales-Ramirez,center, reacts as Cirque Kikasse performs for the public and students Wednesday, Sept.18, 2024, at Lehigh University in Bethlehem.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Performers in the Cirque du Soleil show “Corteo” rehearse before opening night Thursday, March 28, 2024, at PPL Center in Allentown. The venue will host performances March 28-31. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

The new DaVinci Science Center building in Allentown is seen Wednesday, May 15, 2024, during a “soft opening” event there. The center will open to the public on May 22, 2024. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Riley leaps into the pool Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, during a diving competition as part of Barktoberfest at the Promenade Saucon Valley in Center Valley. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Faces in the Crowd: The Durham Bulls play the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Friday, April, 12, 2024,at Coca-Cola Park.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Members of an honor guard ring the bell Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 at Schweder Fire Station Co. 1 in Bethlehem during the annual memorial ceremony for city firefighters who died this past year. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Danni Robinson enjoys her pasta dish Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, during the weekly Firehouse Friday at Hibernia Fire Station in Allentown.( Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Paul Wright talks about honeybees and their behavior to the crowd Friday, March 8, 2024, at his booth at the Lehigh Valley Flower Show in Allentown. The show runs through Sunday at the Allentown Agri-Plex. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

The IronPigs’ Nick Podkul slides safe into second base during a game against Durham Friday, March, 29, 2024, at Coca-Cola Park.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Rochester plays the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Friday, March, 29, 2024, in the opening game of the season at Coca-Cola Park.(Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Director TJ Hayden leads the Delaware Valley Regional High School Delaware Valley Golden Blues band performs Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, during the 12th annual SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase in Bethlehem. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who won the Republican nomination for the 7th congressional district, speaks Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Delizoso Italian Grill in Macungie.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers student Marleigh, left, and Josiah, right, paint a mural panel Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Allentown. The 120-foot-long artwork will be installed in late spring on the new Da Vinci Science Center in downtown Allentown. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Northwestern Lehigh reacts as they win the District 11 3A championship game against North Schuylkill on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at Lehighton High School. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

The East Hills Middle School Charger Band performs during the Parade of Shamrocks on Saturday, March 16, 2024, along Main Street in Bethlehem.(Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

The crowd watches the Parade of Shamrocks on Saturday, March 16, 2024, along Main Street in Bethlehem.(Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Parkland’s Nick Coval defends Northampton’s Tristen Pinnock against Northampton in a boys basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at Parkland High School.( Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Stroudsburg’s Hannah Helm pitches during a District 11 6A softball game against Parkland on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Parkland High School. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Pen Argyl’s Blayke Lacey wrestles Wilson’s Colton Yetter in the 114 weight bout Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at Pen Argyl Area High School.Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Mia performs tricks with Gail Mirabella as part of the Gail Mirabella and the Dynamo Dogs show Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, during the Lehigh Valley Pet Expo in Allentown.( Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a Wednesday, May 8, 2024, news conference at 983 American Parkway, Allentown during which officials announced the state is awarding a $1.1 million grant to help construct a building at that address to be used for industrial production. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Elena Smith catches some air Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, as she sleds down a hill at Catasauqua Park.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Jeannette Hernandez performs a derma blade service on client Becky Vanseeters at Spiritual Skin Med Spa on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Upper Macungie Township. Hernandez opened the business a few months ago.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at PPL Center in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Senator Marco Rubio speaks with Former President Donald Trump during a rally Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at PPL Center in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Paper hearts decorate a wall Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at the Third Street Parking deck in Easton. Mercantile Home, an Easton gift store, is sponsoring a community project called Love Easton with the goal of having community members make 28,127 paper hearts, one for each resident of the city, to display in public spaces in Easton through March 9.( Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Attendees hold candles Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, during a vigil for Victoria Lee at Lehigh University in Bethlehem. Lee, a 2022 Lehigh alum, was fatally shot by police in July during a mental health crisis at her apartment in Fort Lee, N.J. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Democratic vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz greets the Almonte family, who own El Tipico restaurant, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, during a campaign stop in Allentown. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

A cyclist rides past the Saylor Kilns on the Ironton Rail Trail Thursday, April, 25, 2024, in Coplay. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Camper Isaac pulls on a rope to raise a mannequin in a rescue basket as she learns about special operations and tech rescue Wednesday, June 12, 2024, during a South Whitehall Township emergency services youth camp at Cetronia Ambulance Corps. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Allentown Central Catholic’s Sammy Roth looks to pass against Blue Mountain’s Hailey Place during the District 11 4A girls basketball championship game Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at Pottsville Area High School. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Snow gleams in the late afternoon sun Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in the Colonial Industrial Quarter in Bethlehem. After a storm last week dumped a foot of snow in some areas of the Lehigh Valley, this week’s forecast largely calls for high temperatures in the 40s.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem Catholic’s Carter Vassa runs with the ball against Berks Catholic’s Gavin Welker on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, during a football game at BASD Stadium in Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem Catholic celebrates winning the District 11 4A baseball championship Wenesday, May 29, 2024, at DeSales University. Bethlehem Catholic defeated North Schuylkill. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Artists Billy Nieves and Jermel Fountain, along with students from Donegan Elementary School, unveil a mural they created Friday, May 31, 2024, in Bethlehem. Donegan art teacher Tiffany Anderson facilitated the project, engaging her fifth-grade students in the design process.

Barry Karver of Green Lane, a supporter of Donald Trump, stands Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, on Chestnut Street in Emmaus waiting for President Biden to arrive. “The big lie is coming!” Karver said. “… Immigrants, get better recognition than veterans.” (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Team Night Death’s Jess Gellis and son Holden, 5, both of Schnecksville, compete Sunday, March 10, 2024, in a cardboard box race at Bear Creek Mountain in Longswamp Township. Using only a cardboard box, duct tape, paint, zip ties and some creativity, racers head down snow-covered Bear Creek Mountain. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

People enjoy the sights and sounds Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Co. Carnival in Nazareth. The event runs through Sunday. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Fresh cold sno-kones are made on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Co. Carnival in Nazareth. The event runs through Sunday. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Runners compete Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in the Colonial League Cross Country Championships at DeSales University in Center Valley. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Allentown Summer Playground Program participant Josiah Watkins, 10, learns the basics of how to operate the water hose from Allentown firefighter Lt. Jeremy Warmkessel on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Roosevelt Park in Allentown. With the region under a heat advisory until Thursday and then an excessive heat watch until Sunday, the fire department is operating cooling stations this week at various parks. The National Weather Service reported a heat index of 88 degrees about 4 p.m. Tuesday.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Concerned citizens, activists and community leaders gather Tuesday, March, 5, 2024, at Lehigh University during a rally urging Bethlehem City Council to take action to end the siege on Gaza and advocate for an immediate ceasefire. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Interlace Cultural y Desarrollo Mexicano Dance Troupe performs Tuesday, May 21, 2024, during the opening ceremony of the new Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

Eastern University’s Danika Barthol pitches during a game against Desales University on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at DeSales University’s McGettigan Park in Center Valley. Barthol is an Emmaus graduate. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Wanda Rodrigues of Coplay is dressed in the Catrina style Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, during the Dia de los Muertos Festival in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Konnor Kaub, 18 months old, swings and plays peek-a-boo Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the Dimmick Park playground in Hellertown. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Justin Jeakle, employee of Superior Land Concessions, stands in front of flags supporting former President Trump holding a T-shirt that reads “Trump 2024” on Friday, April 12, 2024, along Rt. 309 in Schnecksville. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Parkland’s Talia Zurinskas looks to score against Emmaus’ Mya Cooper and Kayla Snyder during the EPC girls basketball championship game Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at PPL Center in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Allentown Central Catholic’s Riley Landis tries to hit the ball against Bethlehem Catholic’s Teresa Ruhl and Sophia Bedics on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, during the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference girls volleyball championship at Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Faces in the crowd during the Bethlehem Catholic vs Berks Catholic football game Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at BASD Stadium in Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

A picturesque view is seen Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 during a brisk late afternoon on the bridge at Hugh Moore Park in Easton. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Leaves start to turn color Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 during a brisk late afternoon at Hugh Moore Park in Easton. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Fog rolls over the fields to create a painterly landscape Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, along Rt. 100 near Claussville.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Lehigh Valley high school drama students perform the opening number during the 2024 Freddy Awards on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the State Theatre in Easton.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Emmaus performs a song from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version) during the 2024 Freddy Awards on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the State Theatre in Easton. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Freedom’s Geovanny Ledee slides back to first base against Parkland’s Mack Parsell on Friday, April 26, 2024, during a Eastern Pennsylvania Conference game at Freedom High School in Bethlehem.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Freedom’s Chase Walker passes against Bethlehem Catholic on Thursday, Oct. 03, 2024, during a football game in Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Carson Kressley on horseback, dressed in a tricorn hat and red-trimmed regimental coat, Thursday, March 7, 2024, splashes down the middle of a creek off Main Street, in Quakertown. Kressley makes an appearance as Gen. William McPherson in “The Fries Rebellion,” an educational docudrama under production in the area this week. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Area residents dressed in festive costumes gather on Maplewood Road to perform for trick-or-treaters as the crowd watches during a Halloween flash mob Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Riegelsville. The annual performance started in 2019 when neighbors and friends took over the road with a surprise performance to bring a little more fun and an extra treat for residents during the holiday. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Timothy Bricco, 15, of Boy Scout Troop 352 helps fold American flags to be burned in a flag-retirement ceremony during a Patriot Day event to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at Hanover Township Community Center in Hanover Township, Northampton County. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Boy Scout Troop 352 leaders Dave Soares and Javier Diaz burn retired American flags during a Patriot Day ceremony to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at Hanover Township Community Center in Hanover Township, Northampton County.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks to the crowd at Kamala Harris’ campaign rally Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. (April Gamiz / The Morning Call)

A person and their dog take a walk Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Bethlehem’s Historic Downtown after a fast-moving winter storm moved through the Lehigh Valley. The storm left up to a foot of snow in some parts of the region.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Eli Rich, 6, of Hellertown, and his buddy take a breather after moving to the music Thursday, June 27, 2024 at the Hellertown Community Pool during a Dip-N-Dance™event. According to his mom, Eli is his own person and dances to the beat of his own drum. (Monica Cabrera/Special to The Morning Call)

People splash each other with colored powder Sunday, April 21, 2024, during the Indian American Association of Lehigh Valley’s celebration of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, at Grange Park in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Myra Patel, 9, dances with others during a demonstration performance Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, during the seventh annual India Heritage Day hosted by Saara Arts at the Arts Park in Allentown. Saara Arts is a Lehigh Valley nonprofit cultural organization promoting Indian and global art.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Faces in the Crowd: The IronPigs play the Buffalo Bisons on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Tom Leakan of Somerdale, New Jersey, tries to keep cool as he watches watches an IronPigs baseball game Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Ironpigs’ pitcher Max Castillo tries to keep cool between innings in the dugout during an IronPigs baseball game Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Vice President Kamala Harris holds a rally Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, just one day before the 2024 presidential election. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Lehigh University and the Steel Battalion Army ROTC Program holds its annual 9/11 memorial event Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, to mark the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks. The ceremony included a flag raising, moment of silence and the planting of the 2,977 American flags to honor the lives lost. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Scenes during the Lehigh University vs Colgate University football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, held at Goodman Stadium in Lower Saucon Township. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Demonstrators set up replica coffins at a “Solidarity Week for Palestine” rally Friday, May 3, 2024, on the Lehigh University campus in Bethlehem. The rally was held to protest Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Lehigh’s Joshua Ingram looks to score against Lafayette’s Luka Savicevic on Thursday, March 7, 2024, during a Patriot League men’s quarterfinal basketball game at Kirby Sports Center in Easton. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Lafayette’s Ryan Pettit drives against Lehigh’s Keith Higgins Jr. on Thursday, March 7, 2024, during a Patriot League men’s quarterfinal basketball game at Kirby Sports Center in Easton. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Siblings Luna, 6, and Forrest, 6, both of Whitehall play with Paige Nawarynski, 11, who is dressed as a Christmas elf-like character Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, during the Special Needs/Handicap Night at Lights in Greenawalds in South Whitehall Township. The free event, in partnership with the ARC of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, features quieter music, dimmer lights, and popcorn, hot chocolate, candy and chocolate. The next Special Needs/Handicap Night at Lights in Greenawalds is 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

The crowd listens as Songwriter, actor and “Hamilton” star Lin-Manuel Miranda speaks during a Vote Early Party on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at the Puerto Rican Beneficial Society of Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Songwriter, actor and “Hamilton” star Lin-Manuel Miranda speaks during a Vote Early Party on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at the Puerto Rican Beneficial Society of Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Republican congressional candidate state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie stand for a photo Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, with a room full of Mackenzie supporters at the Steel Club in Lower Saucon Township. Mackenzie is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Susan Wild for the 7th Congressional District seat. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Elvis tribute artist Tim “E” sings Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, during Mount Airy Casino Resort’s “Double Down on Love” mass wedding-vow renewal ceremony. The event featured over 200 couples.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

A monarch butterfly flits in the rows of flowers Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, during the ninth annual Monocacy Farm Food Festival in Bethlehem. The festival included a nature walk, activities, live music and a farm tour. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Artsquest audio engineer Scott Dean works with local band Ruby Dear to teach Lehigh Valley high school students what a sound check is Monday, April 15, 2024, during Music Industry Day with ArtsQuest in Bethlehem. Students spent the day learning about marking and programming in the music industry. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Nazareth’s Jack Campbell wrestles Northampton’s Chase Grabfelder in the 145-pound weight class on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, during a wrestling match in Northampton. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem Catholic’s Hailey Pyle pitches to Nazareth on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, during a softball game Nazareth.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Local dignitaries and others attend a beam signing Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Allentown at the construction site of the Neuweiler Lofts. The former brewery is just one project being redeveloped along the city’s riverfront. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Mandi Caskey paints a swamp woman themed mural on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, on at “The Path,” a new pedestrian alley at 932 Hamilton St. in Allentown. Seventeen artists worked on different murals along the alleyway. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

The artist El Souls creates a mural depicting characters from comic books and anime Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, on The Path, a new pedestrian alley at 932 Hamilton St. in Allentown. Seventeen artists worked on different murals along the alleyway. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Northwestern Lehigh wins against Avonworth on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, during the PIAA 3A football championship game at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field in Mechanicsburg, Pa. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Northwestern Lehigh’s Landen Matson catches the ball against Avonworth’s Billy Onyshko on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, during the PIAA 3A football championship game at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field in Mechanicsburg, Pa. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Evan Wolz of Morris Plains, New Jersey, enjoys the food, music and drinks Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, during Oktoberfest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. The annual festival continues Oct. 11-13.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Palmerton’s Carly Gaffney pitches to Palisades on Thursday, May 30, 2024, during the District 11 3A softball championship at Patriots Park in Allentown.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Palmerton’s Courtney Connell looks to block Northwestern Lehigh’s Brook Balliet during a girls basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Northwestern Lehigh High School.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Parkland’s Charlie Epstein completes a dive Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, during a swimming and diving meet against Northampton in Northampton.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Parkland’s Andrew Beers competes in the 400-meter hurdles on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, during a track and field meet against Freedom at Parkland High School. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Brayden, a patient at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, gives the JustBorn Peep Chick a high-five as the chick visits his room Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Salisbury Township, during the hospital’s 12th birthday celebration.

Southern Lehigh’s Sean Steckert runs with the ball against Pottsville’s Shay Strencosky on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, during a District 11 Class 4A semifinal football game in Center Valley. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Lehigh’s Ryan Crookham wrestles Penn State’s Braeden Davis in the 133- pound weight class Sunday, Dec.8, 2024, during a college wrestling match at PPL Center in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Ibtihal Gassem, a first year Lehigh University student hols a flag in support of Palestine. Students and community members gathered Friday, May 3, 2024 in solidarity with student protests around the country, Lehigh University students hosted a “Solidarity Week for Palestine.” The week of peaceful activities included art-making, film screenings, an interfaith vigil & a Palestinian cultural festival–all of which culminated in the rally on Lehigh’s campus. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Students and community members gathered Friday, May 3, 2024 in solidarity with student protests around the country, Lehigh University students hosted a “Solidarity Week for Palestine.” The week of peaceful activities included art-making, film screenings, an interfaith vigil & a Palestinian cultural festival–all of which culminated in the rally on Lehigh’s campus. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

A Devanshi dance is performed Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, during the celebration of Republic Day of India hosted by the Indian American Association of the Lehigh Valley at Cedar Crest College in Allentown. The celebration included dances, musical performances and vocal solos. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Mahima Rampla, 12, of Allentown performs a Maha Ganapatim dance with others Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, during the celebration of Republic Day of India hosted by the Indian American Association of the Lehigh Valley at Cedar Crest College in Allentown. The celebration included dances, musical performances and vocal solos. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Rick Anderson, president and CEO of St. Luke’s University Health Network poses in his office Friday, April 5, 2024, in Bethlehem.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Amaiya Kavachery, a student at Lehigh Career Technical Institute, is overcome with emotion ecstatic as she is awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Cedar Crest College Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at LCTI in North Whitehall Township. Kavachery was the winner of the college’s annual scholarship competition, and was presented with her full-tuition prize, flowers and an appearance from Franki the Falcon. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Maya, 2, and Ojas, 6, play at the Scribble Scrubbie area Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, during the Screamin’ Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience in Easton. Screamin’ Green Hauntoween, a Halloween-themed event with a scavenger hunt, crafts and photo opportunities, runs through Oct. 31. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Dieruff High School marching band’s Karen Mane performs songs during Sixth Street Shelter Day Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Allentown. Mayor Matt Tuerk of Allentown officially proclaimed June 6 as “Sixth Street Shelter Day” to recognize the role the shelter plays in supporting families experiencing homelessness in the Lehigh Valley.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Clinton Joyce, 9, of Hellertown slides down a slippery, snowy hill Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, in Dimmick Park in the borough. Snow in the Lehigh Valley tapered off Tuesday afternoon after dumping several inches. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

A glimpse of a few cherry blossoms offers a sneak peek at the coming spring season Friday, March, 1, 2024, in Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

A person walks with an umbrella during the rain Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Easton. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Faith Brown of Bethlehem pulls Max and Hannah of Hellertown in a sled after a fun day in the snow Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, on Juniper Street in the borough. Brown is a nanny for the children. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

People enjoy trick-or-treating Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, during IronPigs Charities’ annual Suites ‘N’ Treats event at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Papi, a Chihuahua, competes Sunday, June 2, 2024, in the SteelStacks Chihuahua Beauty Contest with owner Cheryl Urban of Bethlehem during TacoFest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. The event features tacos, live music, the SteelStacks Chihuahua Beauty Contest and more.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Mariachi Pedro performs Sunday, June 2, 2024, during TacoFest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. The event features tacos, live music, the SteelStacks Chihuahua Beauty Contest and more. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Teachers Christie Johnston, Cynthia Vinovskis and Rebecca Zawarski watch as Delwin Elk Bear Fiddler, founder of Paza, Tree of Life, dances with hoops during a presentation Thursday, May 9, 2024. The event was part of a Teachers’ Night Out hosted by the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem and organized by Lehigh Valley Passport to History, a partnership of area historic sites.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Matt Whitaker the former acting U.S. attorney general under Donald Trump, speaks Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at a Team Trump Bus Tour stop in the Valley Family Restaurant parking lot in Bethlehem Township. The tour comes 15 days before the Nov. 5 election as both Republicans and Democrats make their final push to win what is expected to be a very close race in Pennsylvania, which could be the decisive state in winning the White House. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Supporters of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump have signed the Team Trump Tour Buses, the tour stopped Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in the Valley Family Restaurant parking lot in Bethlehem Township. The tour comes 15 days before the Nov. 5 election as both Republicans and Democrats make their final push to win what is expected to be a very close race in Pennsylvania, which could be the decisive state in winning the White House. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

People line up to pay for their groceries Wednesday, July 10, 2024, with a $59.08 gift voucher given to them by The Libre Initiative, a nonprofit affiliated with the billionaire Koch brothers that aims to attract Latino voters to the Republican Party. The first 100 shoppers during the event at Bravo Meat Market in Allentown received the vouchers to provide relief from the higher cost of groceries due to inflation. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Emmaus’ Kyle Moore competes in the Boys Long Jump event Wednesday, May 8, 2024, during the EPC and Colonial League Track & Field Championships at Whitehall High School.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Easton’s Jayden Ekoko competes in the boys long jump event Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the District 11 Track & Field Championships at Blue Mountain High School in North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Chris Stofanak, left, of Bethlehem Township and Robby Killey of Easton deliver two voting machines Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, to Lower Saucon United Church of Christ and other polling places in Hellertown ahead of Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz holds a rally on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Brandon Horninger, left to right, Michael K. Horninger, Lexi Horninger and Ziggie, their dog, were the second in line Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 for the opening of the new drive-thru Wawa at 6216 Hamilton Blvd. in Allentown. Hope Schafer, a supervisor at Wawa, serves them their order at the drive-thru window. According to the Horninger family, Wawa has been a part of their entire lives and they have eaten breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night snacks with friends at Wawa. According to Lexi Horninger, Wawa is better than Sheetz and “I’ll fight anyone who says differently,” she said playfully. The first 100 customers at Thursday’s opening received a free T-shirt then witnessed a ceremony including a celebratory grand entrance by the new store team, a hoagie-building competition between the Lower Macungie Fire department and Macungie Ambulance and a ribbon-cutting with the corporate mascot, Wally Goose. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Using an umbrella to shield herself from the rain Maggie Frost of Bethlehem walks under a canopy of blooming flowers on a tree Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in the city. A senior fitness instructor at the YMCA, Frost was walking after her class and wore a heavier jacket than usual because of the weather. The rain is expected to continue most of Wednesday with a chance of showers Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Raindrops are seen on daffodils Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Bethlehem. April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

A fallen cherry blossom is seen in a puddle during heavy rains Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Jayden, a lifeguard at Irving Pool in Allentown, watches swimmers Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The pool’s lifeguards rotate every 20 minutes to help keep cool and alert. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

President Joe Biden visits Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, with owners and staff of Emmaus Run Inn in Emmaus. The president visited the Lehigh Valley to meet with small business owners and highlight his economic agenda. (April Gamiz / The Morning Call)

President Joe Biden greets Allentown firefighters Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, at the Mack South Fire Station in Allentown. The president visited the Lehigh Valley to talk with small business owners and highlight his economic agenda. (April Gamiz / The Morning Call) (April Gamiz / The Morning Call)