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

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

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

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!

Bringing Home the Bronze: Bronze Medalists Nina and Grace Demet

This week, Bronze Medalists Nina and Grace Demet share their Congressional Award experiences in a video blog. The sisters have completed a combined 500 hours toward their Awards, and they aren’t finished yet! For more information on how you can get involved in the Congressional Award Program, click here.

President George H. W. Bush acknowledges Julius Jackson as a new appointment in the George W. Bush Administration.

Recognized with the highest level of award from the Boy Scouts of America and Congress’ Award for Youth, Julius Jackson is no stranger to striving to reach his highest potential. After attending Texas A&M University and the Corps of Cadets, Mr. Jackson accepted a position in Representative Louie Gohmert’s Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Jackson has since served as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Social Secretary at the EU Delegation, and the confidential assistant and advisor to the President and CEO of Amtrak. Recently, Mr. Jackson has changed positions, becoming the Liaison for the Amtrak Police Department Dignitary Protection Program.

The Eagle Scout and Congressional Award Gold Medalist is busier than ever as his responsibilities include building corporate relations, as well as ensuring the security of high profile clients including U.S. Government officials, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities traveling by rail. His dedicated service to others and leadership skills have served Mr. Jackson well. Earning prestigious awards from the partner organizations Boy Scouts of America and the Congressional Award, Mr. Jackson exhibits the maturity and dedication of obtaining goals at an early age, establishing a strong foundation for a bright future. “Together, Boy Scouts and the Congressional Award program can teach youth who appreciate the value of working hard to accomplish an objective, and giving back from what they’ve been given,” Mr. Jackson said. Earning 57 Merit Badges and 4 Palms throughout his scouting career, Mr. Jackson continued to excel by receiving the Young American Award; an honor granted to only five people per year. However, this was not the limit to Mr. Jackson’s potential and he set out to enhance his skills and experiences through the Congressional Award.

To earn his Congressional Award Gold Medal, Mr. Jackson set challenging goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration. In reaching his goals, Mr. Jackson dedicated over 500 hours of volunteer time to his community, benefiting both himself and his neighbors. He also explored new interests including urban cycling, martial arts and ballroom dancing. The majority of activities Mr. Jackson used to meet Boy Scout requirements were also used and credited to the Congressional Award.

“Scouting teaches a person to be a servant to all and a leader when needed,” Mr. Jackson said. “And The Congressional Award did give a good framework to plan for additional training and field experiences.”

The Boy Scouts and Congressional Award programs served as steppingstones to Mr. Jackson’s professional career, allowing him to reach new heights and broaden his horizons. After awarding many Boy Scouts, the Congressional Award and Boy Scouts of America officially announced their national partnership in June of 1999. Together, they have since helped challenge America’s youth allowing them to explore various interests and opening new opportunities to a successful future.

Chief James Boylan and Fireman Chris Quin of the Fire Department of New York join (from left to right) Maverick Foundation founders Jim McGuire and Robert Gullickson in honoring their program’s scholarship recipients: 2011 Gold Medalist Joseph Plescia, 2012 Gold Medal Candidate Michelle De Tomaso, 2011 Bronze Medalist Victoria Vega, as well as Congressional Award participants Jessica Halter and Jordan Marino. Lauren Gullickson and Michael Byrne will soon register for the Congressional Award.

The Maverick Foundation was co-founded by Jim McGuire and Bob Gullickson in 2002 to honor the memory and legacy of two very special people, Lt. Joe Gullickson with the Fire Department of New York, who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001, and Dan McGuire, who tragically lost his life in an automobile accident on September 1976. We decided to provide a scholarship to Moore Catholic High School, where Dan would have graduated from in 1977 and Joe did graduate from in 1982. We also wanted to do something more than provide a scholarship. We were not necessarily looking for the brightest kids with the highest grades or the all star athletes, but for special young adults who were willing to realize their full potential in all areas and had a passion for helping others and making a difference in their community. Once we were set on this idea, we began researching and developing a program tailor-made for our scholarship to capture the essence of personal development including academics and volunteer work. It was during this process that we discovered the Congressional Award Foundation. The program turned out to be the perfect complement to the scholarship.

The Congressional Award Foundation laid out specific requirements in the areas of Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, and Physical Fitness, but was also general enough in each area that anybody who was determined to succeed could find a way to do so. For example, you could use yoga or dance for a Physical Fitness activity or art and music for Personal Development. We tell our kids to follow their hearts they will find a way to accomplish their goals. We liked the concept of benchmarks because it required each young person to plan and execute on a specific schedule. Lastly, we appreciated that their accomplishments could be recognized nationally in a presentation ceremony by their Member of Congress.

The Maverick Foundation provides high school scholarships to eighth graders who are then required to participate in The Congressional Award Foundation. They are required to apply for the Bronze Medal by December of their sophomore year, the Silver Medal by December of their junior year, and the Gold Medal by December of their senior year.

The Maverick Foundation has, through the efforts and dedication of our scholarship recipients, realized five Congressional Award Gold Medals in our first ten years. As they receive their medals and grow in the program, we see young adults become future leaders before our eyes. Their confidence grows in leaps and bounds. They reach out for opportunities rather than wait for them to come to them; they are not afraid of a challenge. Officials at Moore Catholic High School have told us how proud they are of the accomplishments of these kids and the work The Maverick Foundation does to promote The Congressional Award Foundation. We believe we have better prepared our kids to not only succeed in the world with full potential, but to continue their mission of helping others and making a difference in the community.





~Robert Gullickson
Congressional Award Advisor and co-founder of the Maverick Foundation

For more information on the Maverick Foundation, click here.

Andrew Ortiz speaks at the HOBY Awards Dinner. HOBY shares a national partnership with the Congressional Award.

The Congressional Award is a program that I have long admired, and truly love. I first learned about the Congressional Award program in 1987 when I was Senior Class President at Tempe Union High School in Tempe, Arizona. The program was highly recommended to me by our late Arizona Congressman Morris K. Udall, who served the Grand Canyon State with honor and distinction and ran for President of the United States in 1976.

I was very impressed with the substance of the Congressional Award, and intrigued by how it spoke to young people of America. It inspired and challenged them to become better leaders, stronger citizens, and more prolific community volunteers. These tenets were the ones I thought were essential to promoting the celebration of achievement and growth in our nation’s future leaders.

I did not start the Congressional Award program right away, but I always held it as a fervent personal goal to earn the achievement of a Congressional Award Gold Medal. I kept that goal kindled in my heart and mind as I entered Arizona State University as an undergraduate in 1987. In my Catholic Church Parish here in Tempe, I found a passionate advisor that worked with me to achieve my requirements in Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. Through the process of working towards my achievement of the Congressional Award Gold Medal, I was fortunate to achieve many personal milestones in my life. I rendered thousands of service hours to causes serving youth, seniors, animals, the environment, and education. I conducted a white water rafting trip and hike down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. I developed my basketball skills to the point where I won the Regional Championship of the Pepsi Hotshot Basketball Competition. In short, I matured as a leader and as a person. The Congressional Award program literally changed my life.

I received my Congressional Award Gold Medal in March of 1993, and I will always remember the thrill of events that led up to the Gold Award Ceremony that year. The Gold recipients were treated with such honor, as we visited the White House, the sacred monuments of Washington, DC, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. We even received a tour of the FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover Building. All of this was a lovely preface to what was to be a truly magical moment… the actual Gold Medal Ceremony. I will always remember receiving my Gold Medal from Arizona Congressman Sam Coppersmith, and being flanked in a photo by Congressman Coppersmith and Senators John Danforth and Bob Dole. This photo, which has been framed with my Congressional Award Gold Medal still holds a place of honor in my office.

There are some poignant words in St. Luke’s Gospel that read that “Of those to whom much has been given, much shall be required.” My mother used to share this passage with me as a young boy, and it has become my mantra throughout my life. In 1999, I was selected by then Congressional Award National Director Jim Manning to represent the Congressional Award at an event in Ireland, where I met with colleagues from other National Youth Award Programs. This global celebration of youth leadership fueled my passion for the mission of the Congressional Award even more. I am now proud to be a member of the National Board of Directors for the Congressional Award Foundation and the current National President of the Gold Congressional Award Alumni Association. It is in these various capacities that I am able to give back to the Congressional Award Program and that I love more than ever.

Across this great nation, in urban centers as well as in rural communities, are young people that are doing great things. They do so not in the expectation of honors or awards. However, the Congressional Award program serves as a vital platform through which our nation’s youth can challenge themselves to aspire to a higher level of service, and a greater level of personal development and achievement. These are things we should be celebrating as a nation, and I certainly hope you will join us in doing so. America will be the better for it.

~Andrew F. Ortiz, J.D., M.P.A.
CAF Board of Directors Member

Mississippi Congressman Gregg Harper (MS03) (left) with
Jason Jones (right) at the Mississippi State Capitol

About ten years ago, my father handed me a magazine article titled “America’s Best Kept Secret.” Being naturally curious about this so-called ‘secret,’ I of course had to check it out, and since that day, my life has never been the same! So, dear intrepid reader, continue on if you dare, but know that this blog entry may change your life. Are you in for an adventure?

The article I read that day was published in the Home School Legal Defense Association Journal and served as my first introduction to the Congressional Award Program. Although the challenge of meeting the program requirements appeared daunting, I could already see myself receiving the Congressional Award Gold Medal. There was no looking back! Counting the cost, I chose my advisor and laid out a plan. I wish that I could tell you I never faltered or deviated from the path to the gold, but that would be dishonest. In actuality, I came close to quitting many times, but my advisor, my family, and my own conscience encouraged me to stay with the course and I am glad that I did! The benefits have been well worth the sacrifice, and the journey itself became the true reward.

For personal development, my primary goal was to achieve a life-long dream of becoming a pilot, and, at the age of 19, I took to the skies with my newly printed pilot certificate to explore wonders known only to aviators. Indeed, wonders they are, but those treasures lie hidden in the clouds, awaiting other seekers who search. Perhaps one day you will discover them too! Regarding physical fitness, this aspect of the program challenged me most. With an insatiable appetite for learning and a steadfast commitment to making high grades, my innate tendency in high school and college was to focus so much on academic success that I sometimes neglected physical exercise, but the Congressional Award Program was an excellent means for motivating me to increase my strength and stamina.

Now, as I make application for military flight programs, I am grateful that I invested in my physical condition. In addition to these experiences, the expedition/exploration component of the program led me where I may never have ventured otherwise. For example, I was able to explore the culture of Italy, dive among coral reefs in the Caribbean, and even be in a public high school student for two days! Finally, and most importantly, however, the program provided an opportunity for me to learn the true importance of serving others. Jesus once taught, “The greatest among you shall be your servant,” and that is a principle exemplified today by the Congressional Award Program. On my quest for the Congressional Award Gold Medal, I discovered that the greatest accomplishments in life are those whereby others were served, not what distinctions I may heap upon myself. Volunteering extensively with mentally handicapped members of my community helped me to see the world through a different set of eyes. I now invite you to join the journey!

~Jason Jones
2011 Gold Medalist

Wiley Dobbs (left) with Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter (right).

In December of 1993, I was the principal at O’Leary Junior High School in Twin Falls, Idaho. A parent came to me and asked me if I would be interested in a program called “The Congressional Award.” I told her I would look at it and unenthusiastically threw it in my pile of programs to look at. The parent was Linda Norris, an aide to then-U.S. Representative Mike Crapo. As promised, I reviewed the information she gave me and fell in love on the spot with the Congressional Award Program!

What’s not to love? The Congressional Award is voluntary, individual, and non-competitive. Whether academically gifted or challenged; affluent or impoverished; physically fit or disabled; enthusiastic about school or bored — anyone ages 13½ to 23 can participate. The program is universal. Students do not win the award; they earn it. Most of all, I liked the idea that it accentuated the positive things that so many of the young people in our nation are already doing. I was delighted to become involved in a program that recognizes the good things young people do.

In 2009, after 16 years serving on the Board of Directors of Idaho’s Council, I was appointed to the national United States Congressional Award Foundation Board of Directors by U.S. Senate Minority Leader, Senator Mitch McConnell.

This is truly an outstanding program, and I have tried to give every student in our school district the opportunity to participate. I have served as an Advisor to hundreds of students through the years and have recruited other educators in our district to do the same. I am proud that the Twin Falls School District has the highest percentage of involvement in the nation and that Idaho is a leading state. The Congressional Award Program is good for our students - and good for our community. Thousands upon thousands of hours of community service have been contributed by young adults in our area as they have worked in the program.

In addition, the Congressional Award Program is a family affair. Both of our sons, Dylan and Austin, are in high school now. They have earned their Silver Medals and are close to achieving their Gold. My wife and I look forward to joining them in Washington DC one day soon to watch as they receive the highest award presented by the Congress of the United States.

~Wiley Dobbs
Advisor and member of CAF Board of Directors