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

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

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!

Mrs. Mary Rodgers and Mary Cate Muschett. In addition to serving as an Advisor, Mrs. Rodgers also serves on the National Board of Directors for the Congressional Award Foundation. Mary Cate has recently finished her activities toward the Gold Medal, joining the ranks of the nearly 400 students who have pursued a Congressional Award under Mrs. Rodgers’ Advisorship.

After my final day of junior high school, I was taken to the senior high school to meet my extraordinary Congressional Award advisor, Mrs. Mary Rodgers. I had been involved with many service and athletic activities before, but when I saw the requirements for the Congressional Award, I was frightened, thinking there was no possibility of me ever completing them. At that time I did not realize this award was a journey. It takes time, perseverance and patience. And so I elected to begin this daunting task.

What appealed to me most about this challenge was the exploration component. I had never heard of an award which prompted youth to travel, and I was most excited to choose new places and plan my trips. On my trip to the Adirondacks and to Washington D.C., I encountered nature, historical surroundings, and new and interesting people which only furthered my development as a cultured young American as well as a Congressional Award participant.

I was one of the lucky recipients of the James and Eunice Doty/Congressional Award/People-to-People Scholarship, which enabled me to attend the recent 10th Anniversary Global Youth Forum held last November in Kansas City. This was an awesome experience for me since I got to interact with other teenage participants from all over the world. My roommate was a girl from Albania who spoke nearly perfect English. While there, we broke into groups for discussions and also completed a service project. I learned so much that by the time the forum ended, I easily understood why so many of the participants returned year after year.

My advisor, Mrs. Rodgers, has been an incredible role model for me. A few weeks ago we met as I turned in my Gold Record Book, which at last has been completed. For the opportunities she has shown me, and the successful path upon which she has guided me, I am eternally grateful.

For three years, I have volunteered at places such as orphanages and soup kitchens, completed personal development goals in gymnastics and flute classes, and sweated and smiled at every cheerleading practice and improved my swimming endurance. Although I’ve been doing these various things, I know that my desire to serve, stay athletically fit, develop personal skills, and travel the world is unwavering and will remain a facet of who I am forever. I can easily attest that the Congressional Award has been one of the most influential experiences of my life.

~Mary Cate Muschett
2012 Gold Medal Candidate

Kaitlyn Chana, 2010 Gold Medalist and Founder and President of Love Letter: Random Cards of Kindness

Having the honor of earning the Congressional Gold Medal is extremely rewarding. The Gold Nation Experience was full of wonderful memories that brought smiles, laughter, and pure happiness to my heart. Each visit to the different museums, touring the monuments, and learning about our rich history gave me more insight on why I’m extremely proud to be an American.

My non-profit organization, Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness, Inc., was chosen as a service project for the other Gold Medalists to take part in during the Gold Nation Experience. Having the opportunity to share my ultimate passion for my national non-profit organization with these elite Gold Medalists was such an honor. Watching them build relationships with others while contributing from their hearts for children with life-threatening illnesses was a magical moment! Many of the medalists shared a personal story of how this activity touched them and I feel extremely fortunate they were able to join our Love Letters family.

On Wednesday, June 23, my heart was beating rapidly as the time neared for me to receive my Gold Medal from Congress. As we walked into the ceremony the cheers and flashes of cameras were surreal because family, friends, and government officials were celebrating outstanding teenagers for making a difference. Each one of us is unique and as the medals were placed around our necks you could see the excitement pour over our faces. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about other medalists accomplishments, learning how they overcame obstacles, and finding out about their ambitions.

Kaitlyn Chana, center, is presented with her Gold Medal by Congressman John Mica (FL07) and Vice Chairwoman of the CAF National Board of Directors Linda Mitchell.
As I wore the medal it navigated its way through my bloodstream and entered my heart with the message “the impossible is possible.”

I will always treasure the week through memories, pictures, and friendships.

~Kaitlyn Chana

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