Local Youth Can Serve Community And Earn Congressional Praise
December 17, 2007, Anne Frank once wrote, “How wonderful it is that no one has to wait, but can start right now to gradually change the world!” Our world and our communities would benefit if more people took the sage advice of a young girl.
Emily Green of Springfield has embraced that idea and committed herself to public service. Earlier this year, I presented Emily with the Congressional Gold Medal Award to honor her efforts to create a positive change in the community.
The Congressional Award is an honor that every American youth can earn by setting and meeting goals in four program areas – voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and exploration/expedition. Congress created the award to promote and honor America’s youth for taking the initiative to serve their communities. Participants are able to choose the level they hope to achieve and earn certificates or medals based on how much time and effort they put forth. The awards are available for youth age 14-23.
Emily earned the highest award, the Gold Medal. She completed more than 400 hours of volunteer work at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and the Adventure Science Center. For personal development, she reached the advanced level on the harp. To fill the physical fitness requirement, she competed in the Country Music Half Marathon. She also traveled to England, worked at a local sheep farm and immersed herself in the local culture as part of the exploration/expedition program area.
Emily worked for two years to earn the Gold Medal, and her commitment is commendable. But participants can challenge themselves for just a few months and be honored with a Bronze Certificate. What makes the award unique is that participants create their own programs, set their own goals and work to meet them.
Many young people are already participating in activities that could help them as they work to earn Congressional Awards. Participation on a school sports team or involvement with 4-H and scouting programs put many young people on track to set appropriate goals and create individual plans for earning the award.
Anyone who would like to register or get more information about the program can go to www.congressionalaward.org or call 1-888-80-AWARD.
Our communities would be better places if more young people aspired to this award.
