Congressional Medal recipients.
To earn the Congressional Award, the youthful leaders must set and achieve goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration, and dedicate many hours of service in their school and community.
To earn the Congressional Award, the youthful leaders must set and achieve goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration, and dedicate many hours of service in their school and community.
The medal recipients include:
Erica McCoy Bronze & Silver Certificates
Erica is the 17 year old daughter of Senior Master Sergeant Melvin and Carla McCoy and has two sisters. Erica is a senior at BWHS where she is active in the Congressional Award Club, senior senate, National Honor Society, Student Council, basketball, track, and softball. She plans to attend Bellevue University on an academic and athletic scholarship to study biology.
Colin Sorensen Silver Medal
Colin is the 17 year old son of Tim and Julie Sorensen and has a younger sister. He is a junior at Papillion-LaVista High School where he is active in National Honor Society, Forensics, and his high school tennis team. He takes private piano lessons, participates in the Omaha Tennis Association indoor junior league, and volunteers at the Nebraska Humane Society.
Joseph Wier Bronze Medal
Joseph is the 16 year old son of Colonel Dennis and Claudia Wier. He is a sophomore at JMJ Holy Family Homeschool. Joseph enjoys playing tennis at the Offutt Field House with his friends. He is currently taking classes in ballroom dancing, tango, and the waltz. In his free time he volunteers at the Offutt AFB Library.
Laura Van Epps Bronze Medal
Laura is the 16 year old daughter of retired Major Roger and Danette VanEpps and has two brothers. She is a junior at BWHS where she is active in class senate, Forensics, National Honor Society, soccer, and the Congressional Award club. She represented Bellevue West at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference and plans to volunteer at the Wheelchair Games this summer.
Tony Zilli Bronze & Silver Certificates
Tony is the 15 year old son of Harry and retired Technical Sergeant Marie Zilli and has one sister. He is a sophomore at BWHS where he is active in the Congressional Award club and the varsity soccer team. Tony is a member of the Civil Air Patrol Club and participates in club soccer.
Lisa Zilli Bronze & Silver Certificates
Lisa is the 18 year old daughter of Harry and retired Technical Sergeant Marie Zilli and has one brother. She is a senior at BWHS where she is a member of the swim team and Congressional Award club. Lisa is active in Girl Scouts and recently earned her Girl Scout Gold Award. She plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln on an academic scholarship to study environmental conservation.
Matthew Armistead Bronze Medal
Matthew is the 17 year old son of Technical Sergeant Darryl and Melissa Armistead and has one brother and sister. Matthew is a junior at BWHS where he is active in the Congressional Award Club, Diversity Club, football, track, and is an athletic trainer for the girls’ basketball team. He also is a member of the Anti-Defamation League promoting the importance of tolerance to metro area teenagers.
Wayne Banks Bronze & Silver Medals
Wayne is the 17 year old son of retired Master Sergeant Wayne and Angela Banks and has two sisters and two brothers. He is a senior at BWHS where he is active in class senate, Congressional Award club, National Honor Society, Diversity Club, and track, tennis, and basketball teams. Wayne is planning to attend Washington University on an academic scholarship to study Biochemistry and Spanish.
Matthew Bashus Bronze Medal
Matthew is the 17 year old son of Steven and Penny Bashus. Matthew is a junior at Plattsmouth High School where he is a member of the track and football teams, Leadership Cadre, and Renaissance Board. He was one of only 385 to be selected for the American Legion Boys State Camp. Matthew volunteers at the Nebraska Masonic Home working towards becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Tonni Blount Bronze Medal
Tonni is the 15 year old daughter of Anthony and Claudette Blount and has one older sister. She is a sophomore at BWHS where she is active in the Congressional Award Club, Science Olympiads, Quiz Bowl, Academic Decathlon, Sophomore Senate, and varsity soccer. Tonni is also involved in the Midlands Hospital Teen Volunteer Program.
LauRen Gaines Bronze & Silver Certificates
LauRen is the 16 year old daughter of retired Master Sergeant Keith and Schernol Gaines and has two sisters. She is a junior at BWHS where she is active in the Congressional Award club, National Honor Society, track, cross-country, and junior senate. Lauren is also involved in Midlands Hospital Teen Volunteer Program.
Edward Hanline Bronze & Silver Certificates
Edward is the 16 year old son of Edward and Kathy Hanline and has two sisters. He is a junior at BWHS where he is active in the Congressional Award Club, National Honor Society, Bellevue West Singers, and the Quill and Scroll Society. Edward is an editor for the West Wind newspaper and has his own web design business.