The Congressional Award
Jun 01
A Student Volunteer: 2011 Gold Medalist John Langfield
John Langfield receives the State of Idaho Student Volunteer of the Year Award from Gov. Butch Otter and First Lady Lori Otter.
The Congressional Award Program has had an enormous and lasting impact on my entire family; I am the younger of two elder siblings, and all three of us worked to earn the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional medals. All of the life lessons I learned while working towards my medals were priceless, and have all helped me to find success as I pursue both my academic and professional careers. Over the course of four years I learned the personal responsibility of keeping my own records, how to work with a variety of different personalities, the importance of setting goals and tackling them one step at a time, and perhaps most importantly, experienced first hand the satisfaction of personal accomplishment and growth.
Voluntary Public Service has always been a core value of mine, the Congressional Award Program allowed me set goals and schedule time to assist others; something I enjoyed doing but found immensely hard to incorporate into my day-to-day life.
While working towards the Gold Medal I logged over 650 hours of service, and under the umbrella of my rather broad service ambitions, enjoyed a variety of different service opportunities. Perhaps the most meaningful service was the work I did at local food banks and soup kitchens assisting the effort to provide a warm meal and a smile to those who perhaps needed them most. I was also able to spend summers interacting with the public through customer service; I aided patrons at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival by showing them to their seats, distributing rental chairs, and collecting their trash at the end of the show. This venue allowed me to perfect my professional skills while also exposing me to the countless works and culture of William Shakespeare and many other famous playwrights. I also logged many hours in conglomerate with the planning, orchestration, and execution of my Eagle Scout Project. I collected engineered drawings and building permits, ordered the parts, and organized a task force to construct and install a performance platform for my high school pep band on the existing football bleachers for my Eagle Scout Project.
For my Personal Development goals I learned to play the drums, studied for entrance exams into college, and under the supervision of my parents, obtained my drivers license. The Congressional Award program encouraged me to explore my interests and also prompted me to devote time to many worthy pursuits. Under my Physical Fitness goals, I lowered the time it takes me to run a mile, developed a weight lifting routine, and ultimately ended up training for my first triathlon. The Congressional Award provided me with the structure to develop a work out program, specific to my own fitness goals, which I still strictly follow. For my Gold Expedition I planned a 5 day raft trip with my family. This was an incredible experience, a fond memory, and a highlight of the summer before me senior year of high school.
Earning my Congressional Award medals was by far the most fulfilling and exciting part of my high school career. The program provided me with incentive and structure to follow through on meaningful goals I devised, under the council of my advisor, in order to grow and develop as an active, enlightened, and distinguished citizen of the United States.
~John Langfield
2011 Gold Medalist
May 25
Sharing Talents and Services: 2012 Gold Medalist Zachary Wong
Zach Wong, a senior at Concord Prep High School in Santa Monica, California, earned his Congressional Award Gold Medal after completing more than 4,500 hours of activities in the program’s four areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration.
When I first learned about the Congressional Award program, it was in middle school from my homeroom teacher. She told me about the program and recommended that I participate. I am very proud to be a part of this very challenging experience. The program helped me to learn life skills, work ethics, how to keep physically fit and develop personal goals.
Being a performing cellist for 12 years, I was able to use my talents performing at benefit concerts, sharing my music with others, and helping with fundraising activities for non-profit organizations. Because of my involvement in the Congressional Award program, it prompted me to found a People to People International Student Chapter in our region, which helped me to accomplish my goals as an advocate for the homeless. We have been helping a homeless shelter in raising money for their daily operational expenses and physical needs like food, clothing, school supplies and toys for the past three years.
Personal goal setting has furthered my interest as a serious film maker. Two of my short films have received national and international awards, as well as recognition and official screenings at international film festivals. Last year, I was extremely proud to receive the American Visions Award from National Scholastic Arts and Writing Award at Carnegie Hall for my animation film.
I was also very grateful to have been asked to make a documentary video of the residents in a homeless shelter to bring awareness to the homeless communities. I interviewed the workers and residents and became familiar with their struggles, hardships and stories. An elderly woman who became homeless because of mounting medical bills, stayed positive and hopeful. She now helps out at the shelter and gives support to the other residents; everyone calls “Grandma.” From these experiences, I learned of familial bonds, and how people come together as a family.
I am honored to participate in the Congressional Award program. I have learned to set goals for myself, manage my time, develop myself personally and keep myself physically fit. Once we learn the importance of self-development, we can then look outwards to help others. From volunteering my services, I have become more aware that we are all global citizens and we need to care for one another. I hope to carry this learning experience throughout my life. Thank you for giving me great pride and the opportunity to learn to be self-discipline, to be a team player and to go into the community to share my talents and services with people.
~Zachary Wong
2012 Gold Medalist
May 18
Behind the Lectern, a Confident Young Lady: Gold Medal Candidate Marissa Landon
Marissa Landon speaks at the 2011 Congressional Award Youth and Technology Dinner in Washington, DC. Marissa, who is currently pursuing her Congressional Award Gold Medal, centered many of her Personal Development hours around various social medias— a major mode of communication used by today’s world.
Behind the lectern, hopefully unseen to the distinguished audience out front, my knees were knocking, my palms were sweating, and my heart was racing. It was a big night, an important night, and one I had been waiting for. The Congressional Award Foundation Youth and Technology Dinner had arrived in full splendor, with delectable food, extraordinary people, and lovely music. I had to pull it together because I was the speaker and I wanted to share an important message. Even though I haven’t yet earned a Medal, I wanted to let everyone know what a difference the Congressional Award Program has made in my life.
The Congressional Award challenges youth to work in four specific program areas; Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. My focus that night was Personal Development. In pursuit of the Congressional Award Gold Medal I chose to become more social media savvy. I am a member of Mississippi’s Technology Team. The team travels around the state helping communities get onboard the social media bandwagon. We share the advantages of Twitter, Facebook, and other social media tools. We assist in putting together a plan and a process for incorporating social media. I love knowing I can make a difference and the Congressional Award has shown me I can be the catalyst for change in the community.
But that’s not all folks… the Congressional Award has opened other doors for me as well. I now look for new ways to give back, I have new friends and contacts, and I work harder at making healthy choices and getting exercise in my day. Oh, and that nerve-wracking speech… well, I got through it and I think the audience liked it. I know that I can face one of the greatest fears identified by many people, public speaking, and I can be a victor. Thanks! Congressional Award for helping make me the confident young lady I am today.
~Marissa Landon
Gold Medal Candidate
May 11
At the same Time, but at their own Pace: 2012 Gold Medalists Mark and Kelly Widerschein
Kelly (right) and Mark (middle) worked through the Award program together, sharing ideas, tips and even an Advisor— Mrs. Charlene Ernst (left). However, each set their own challenging goals according to their skill and knowledge.
As twins who are completely different from each other, we found the Congressional Award Program to be the perfect challenge. It allows you to plan goals that match your unique interests.
We started on the road to the Gold Medal at about the same time but at our own pace and we each came up with activities and services that reflected our talents. We even kept track of our accomplishments differently. If you are about begin working toward a Congressional Award, here are some of the tips that worked for us.
Deciding what to do:
Kelly: The Program Book is the secret to success. There are lists of ideas for Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and defines possibilities for both the Exploration and Expedition. One of the suggestions in this book is to group volunteer service hours using an “umbrella” goal or combining activities to meet one goal. My volunteer work at inner city schools, community centers, and at various city events worked best in this format.
Mark: Pick things you really like and expand on those areas. For instance, my interest in conservation and animals lead to my volunteer hours at the Ohio Wildlife Center and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This volunteer work meant I needed to speak to groups, so I took classes and joined competitions to learn how to be a compelling public speaker for a personal development goal.
Keeping Track:
Kelly: Get a multiple year calendar, color code your goals, and make notes with each activity or planning day. The Congressional Award is not just about the number of hours but also the number of months dedicated to meeting a goal. The multi-year calendar helps with tracking and with planning ahead. I also kept a folder with details, brochures, newspaper clippings, and photos. This was a quick, simple way to keep track of my hours.
Mark: I tracked everything on charts I created for the Congressional Award on my computer. The charts had columns for each activity, number of months, hours, and notes. I also had an online photo file. Periodically, I would print the charts out to have my Validator sign to confirm hours and accomplishments. Now these charts and photos are like a diary of the past four years of my life.
Why take part in this program?
Kelly: Earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal is one of my proudest accomplishments. I improved my ability to define, track, and complete goals. Now I have a documented record of accomplishments and through this program my Advisor and Validators have become mentors. Best of all, my experiences in teaching, dance, and community events not only allowed me to make a difference in my community but provided me with a solid foundation of experiences and skills that will help me in college and in my career.
Mark: Meeting all of the requirements for the Gold Medal inspired me to accomplish more than I thought possible over the past years. I would have pursued many of these goals but this set the bar higher in my planning, timing, tracking, and reflecting on these accomplishments as I summed them up to apply for the Congressional Gold Medal. Being purposeful in life makes a big difference in accomplishing things. Saying, “Oh, I might try that some day” is completely different than planning, “I am going to take this class, start this week, interview next month” and so on. Pursuing the Congressional Gold Medal pushed me to accomplish more than I thought possible.
We hope you will take the steps to pursue one of the levels of the Congressional Award. The sense of accomplishment is well worth the effort.
Good luck!
~Kelly and Mark Widerschein
2012 Gold Medalists
May 04
Always There to Support Her: 2012 Gold Medalist Becky Page
2012 Gold Medalist Becky Page pauses for a picture
with her friend, Troy McClain.
This June, I will be one of the proudest parents in Washington DC. My daughter, who is 22 and has Down Syndrome, will be accepting the Congressional Award Gold Medal from Congress.
Due to the support that Becky has received from her Support Workers in the Consumer Directed Program, Becky has achieved all of the Certificates and Medals including the highest award, which is the Gold Medal.
Over several years, there have been many support workers who were willing and able to take her to volunteer at nursing homes, and pet shelters. Not all support workers were willing to go to these places. Some support workers took her to classes at the local community college, helped her practice piano and taught her to cook and others took her skiing and to karate classes. These support workers went above and beyond the call of duties many times to help her accomplish her goals.
One of the hardest parts of achieving this award is to keep good records and submit a well-organized record book. One of her support workers, who has been her friend for many years (another mom of a boy with Down syndrome), was willing to help Becky organize and submit her record book for her Silver and Gold medals.
I would like to thank all the support workers who made it possible for Becky to earn this award; Abigail Page, Toni Middlebrook, Nikki Wilson, Troy McClain, Deborah Havens, Katie and Molly Benson just to name a few. Yes, she did the work, but you were always there to support her. We are proud of all of you!
~Joyce Page
Mother of Becky Page, 2012 Congressional Award Gold Medalist
Becky completed activities in Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration. While all were necessary to earn a Congressional Award, some activities were certainly “cooler” than others!
Apr 26
A Testimony to Motivation and Worth: 2009 Gold Medalist Kent Willis
The Congressional Award has made a major impact on me both personally and professionally because it taught me about personal responsibility and the values of living a life that impacts the world around me. The self motivation and goal setting required to achieve the award and skills that will serve me in everything that I do.
I completed several different goals in order to achieve the requirements for the Congressional Award but it was my volunteer work that has had the longest lasting impact on me. I continue to volunteer with local organizations and causes. During my time as a volunteer coach, I learned so much about why service is important. There are so many less fortunate people in our communities and sometimes all they need is someone to believe in them or someone to listen. The relationships built through this experience are far more rewarding and longer lasting than any pay check could ever be.
The Gold Medal Ceremony and Gold Nation Program are by far some of the nicest events that I have ever attended. The staff members of the Congressional Award are first class men and women. They are mentors for young people across the nation and they are overshadowed by the program itself but without them this operation would not be possible.
The best advice I can give current program participants is to keep working hard because they will never regret it. The Congressional Award is a testimony to the motivation and worth of every participant, supporter, staff member and volunteer.
I currently serve as Dean of Students for Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, TX. Lon Morris is a private two-year institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
~Kent Willis
2009 Congressional Award Gold Medalist
Apr 20
A Better Person from All Angles: 2012 Gold Medalist Drishti Lakhia
Drishti pauses for a photograph near the Taj Mahal
while visiting India for her Expedition/Exploration.
It’s not who I was, it’s who I am after developing myself with the support of the Congressional Award. I used to be carefree and careless, but after volunteering at a foster home, I now value my family and my home sweet home. I used to think money grew on trees, but after refereeing for basketball I realized it takes hard work and commitment, because nothing is free.
I used to think it’s my way or no way until I volunteered at the Red Cross. Knowing about the disasters individuals face, I have been more open to choose the right way. I used to feel I had no time for elders. After volunteering at the Masti Ghar Senior Citizens Club, I felt the happiness and priceless smiles I shared with the elderly.
I was good at art, but started to develop my personal interest in photography, scrapbooks, painting and celebrating my Sweet Sixteen with the artistic memories I created. I became even better at dance. “You’re amazing,” others commented when I performed, rewarding my physical fitness record book.
I explored India, where I was born, for my Exploration. I loved the nature, the architecture, the people, and the culture.
Thank you Congressional Award for helping me to be a better person from all angles. With the drive to earn the Congressional Award Gold Medal, my advisor’s support, my family’s support, my hard work, and God’s blessing, I blossomed into a better person. I hope and pray to continue this journey of life.
~Drishti Lakhia
2012 Gold Medalist
Apr 13
Consider Me a Role Model: 2012 Gold Medalist Darryl Edward Gray
I have always been interested in bettering my community and being engaged with service, that is why prior to participating in the Congressional Award I completed 500 hours of service, by volunteering in my community and working with several local and national political campaigns since I was 10 years old. When I enrolled in the Congressional Award program I started working towards the required 400 hours to get the Congressional Award Gold Medal.
I volunteered for the local community by visiting the homeless shelter, senior home, working at the American Red Cross, and in my church. I am a person with a disability and I want people to know that with hard work anyone can be successful. I have become more confident and interested in learning new things and helping people. During the summers I volunteered to work at the American Red Cross for people with disabilities. I volunteered at the American Red Cross of Northern Virginia and was selected to participate in the Virginia State Steering Committee, Self-Advocacy Mobilization, and Partnership for People with Disabilities, in Richmond, Virginia. In addition, I was selected to give a speech about my life, at The American Red Cross of Virginia State Convention, in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2009.
I graduated from Potomac High School in 2007 and worked at the Pentagon for one year after high school. I was accepted into the George Mason University in the Mason Life program for students with Intellectual Disabilities. I have served my community by letting people know and see that anything is possible for people with disabilities. I will graduate in May 2012. I also work part time at the Library of Congress, and hope to get a full time job there. My family is very proud of me and my accomplishments. My family and community consider me a role model. They know that anybody can be successful in life if they work hard with the right support. I have come a long way from being the boy who some people said would not do well in life because of my disability. I am very proud to be getting the Congressional Gold Medal this year. I hope to inspire other people with disabilities to participate in the program.
~Darryl Edward Gray
2012 Gold Medalist
Apr 06
[video]
Mar 30
Setting Goals: Words of Encouragement from the National Office
From time to time, we at the National Office will ‘blog’ about various portions of the program that can be a bit challenging. Whether you’re a current participant, a long-time Advisor, or someone new to the program, we hope you’ll find the following information helpful!
Perhaps the most unique part of the Congressional Award program is the fact that you set your own goals for each of the four program areas. Yes, you have your adult mentors and the Program Book to help guide you along the way, but outside of the program guidelines, it is entirely up to you to take the initiative in deciding how to earn your Award.
This is no mistake; Congress has designed the program so that you can get as much out of it as possible. By setting your own goals, you learn more about your interests, your limits (and how to surpass them!) and most importantly, you set a precedent for the rest of your life. As you continue on to your profession or higher education, you will have the skill and know-how to achieve the results you want— all because you know how to set goals. Goals are the secret to a successful future.
So here’s how to get started. After registering, you set your goals and have them approved by your Advisor and Validators. Your goals should demonstrate initiative and forethought. Think ahead— what would you like to accomplish?
It can help to ask the following questions while setting goals:
Is my goal…
…achievable? Try to plan ahead and set goals that are doable in the several months or years that you’ll be working toward your Award. “I will learn more about space by becoming and astronaut” may be a good life goal, but it’s probably not a realistic goal during your time in the Congressional Award program.
…challenging? While you should be sure to set achievable goals, be extra sure that your goals challenge you. Go ahead and push yourself—this is your chance to test your limits and explore your interests!
…worthwhile? Be sure that your goal offers a benefit of some kind to someone. If you and/or the people you’re serving aren’t getting anything out of your activity, it might be time to rethink your goal.
…measureable? Not everything can be measured in numbers, but your goal should provide some way for you to track your progress and improvement.
…fulfilling? Take some time to think about all that you will accomplish. Medalists who have gone before you will tell you, it’s a good feeling to look back and say “I did that!”
If your answer is ‘no’ to any of these questions, it’s time to re-think your goal. If the answer to is ‘yes’, then it’s time to get to work! You should write your goal in the Record Book and start working on your activities.
As you work toward your goals, sometimes it becomes apparent that a goal needs to be re-worked. The great part about setting your own goals is that you get to learn about yourself and what interests you, as an individual. If you need to drop, add or revise a goal, simply talk with your Advisor and Validator at any time, and begin working toward a revised goal. Simple as that! Don’t worry, the time you spent on your previous goal, prior to revision, can still be counted toward the total hours for that program area (assuming, of course, that the activity itself is still unchanged). On a related note, goals and activities can change for each level of the Award. Again, it’s entirely up to you!
One of the more common questions we receive is, “Can I set more than one goal in a program area?” And the answer is yes. For each level of the Award, you can set several goals in each program area. For Voluntary Public Service, you can set up to four different goals, for Personal Development and Physical Fitness you can set two each, and for Expedition/Exploration you can set one new goal per level. Just be sure that a new Record Book page is used for each goal (please make copies as needed!).
When setting goals, there may be some cases where several, similar activities fit the same goal. These activities can be recorded on the same record book sheet. This is called an “Umbrella Goal”. Here’s an example:
“I will provide a minimum of 200 hours of service activities under the direction of the Pleasantville Office for Volunteer Service.”
Umbrella Goals are useful when your activities have a clear, underlying connection or similarity that helps achieve your goal. Please note, however, that broad collections of unrelated Voluntary Public Service activities would not be acceptable. The following, for example, would not be an acceptable Umbrella Goal:
“I will help people by working at the nursing home on weekends, tutoring younger students after school on Tuesdays, picking up trash on my daily morning walk along the trail and also starting my own non-profit to provide clothing to those in need.”
While Umbrella Goals should be broad enough to include multiple activities, they should not be so overly-broad that they no longer hold a real value— remember: achievable, worthwhile, measureable, challenging and fulfilling. A good goal should be all of these.
For more information on goal-setting, please see page five of the Program Book, available here.
In 2011, approximately 1,500 young people earned a Congressional Award. Just think— each of those young people had the creativity to set their own goals and the drive to achieve them. If you or someone you know has the ability to do the same (and we know you do!!), click here!
~Don Stein
North Program Manager
The Congressional Award Foundation