Gold Medalist Don Combs is recognized by Congressional Award
Chairman Paxton K. Baker (left) and Congressman Harold Rogers
(KY05) at the 2012 Congressional Award Gold Medal Ceremony.
The annual event is held in the Capitol each June.

This past June I had the privilege to count myself among the 277 Gold Medalists who were honored in our Nations Capitol in Washington DC. The past two-and-a-half years working toward this Award has been a journey of ups and downs, but now I look back and know they were all worth while.

I completed most of my goals through the Boy Scouts of America. Since my hours in Boy Scouts could count toward the Congressional Award, the program gave me a boosted incentive to stay involved in such a great organization, and to give back what I have been given.

I have learned a lot along the way, but most importantly I picked up one very important life lesson. While the medal is very nice and the recognition is humbling, what matters the most are the experiences along the way. These memories and new skills will last a lifetime. Through this great program, I was able to spend seven days in the deepest wilderness in northern Minnesota, deliver leadership skills to thousands of scouts across the country, and give back over 500 hours of volunteer service to my community.

This award is worth your time and I would encourage everyone who is able to begin today— especially my fellow scouts. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way and I look forward to continuing to support and represent this award as a 2012 Gold Medal recipient.

~Don Combs
2012 Gold Medalist

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

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

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

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.

The Congressional Award shares a national partnership with the
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program.
Each year, hundreds of young Corps members earn a
Congressional Award through their AmeriCorps NCCC Service.

I participated in the Congressional Award through the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. Upon entering the program, I was told that I was now part of a legacy of volunteer work. It was made clear to me, to wear my uniform everyday to wear the “A” was an honor, one honor I should respect and be proud of. At first, I had doubts about this sentiment, but what was really going on was I could not understand what was meant by it. That was until I was sent to work with the Red Cross due to the massive flooding along the Mississippi River.

In the first meeting I attended with my team at Headquarters, the head of the Red Cross operation expressed how excited she was to have an NCCC team on site. She had worked with NCCC before and knew the attitude we would be bring to the job. An attitude of getting things done no matter how small or large, no matter how difficult, and no matter how long. Her praise resulted in a roaring round of applause from the rest of the volunteers in the room. I remember feeling silly because I felt I had not done anything yet. But that is when it hit me. By pledging ten months of my life to this program and volunteer service, I had become a part of something much bigger than I had realized. The feeling was humbling. It was some months later, while at a completely separate project in my NCCC term, that I thought again of the words spoken about us at the Red Cross. My team was working hard to fulfill a task when our sponsor had to ask us to stop working so he could finally head home for the day. Without realizing it, my teammates and I had developed the attitude the woman from the red cross had attributed to us long before we knew what it meant. Before we were aware of it, she had known about the “A” and the people who accept the challenge of putting it on everyday.

The truth is in order to make your community and your country become a better place you cannot always be concerned about what you are doing. The beauty of this program is when I was having a bad day, allowing my frustrations to create the illusion that the job my team had been assigned was meaningless, there was no doubt a team somewhere else, working overtime as hard as they could in order to improve the lives of those around them. There are jobs that need to get done and it may seem like almost anyone holds the ability to do them. Yet, what participants in the Congressional Award Program and AmeriCorps come to learn, is that it takes a special talent to have the motivation and dedication to actually buckle down and get tasks done.






~Michael Collins
2011 Bronze Medalist and AmeriCorps NCCC Corps member




Michael (right), is congratulated by his
parents after earning his Bronze Medal.

Melissa Katz: Full-time coach, part-time photographer. Melissa’s interest in photography became a downright passion after devoting more than 200 hours to the subject for her Personal Development. In addition to coaching at the NCAA Division I level, she freelances as a professional photographer and layout designer, working with websites, wallpapers, landscapes and even the occasional self-portrait.

In 8th grade, I started volunteering with the recreation department in my town by teaching kindergarteners how to play soccer on Saturday mornings. That was the first time I had ever coached anyone, and I loved it. Mind you, if the kids didn’t all flock to the ball at the same time, and one pass was completed, it was definitely considered a success. From there, I became a very frequent volunteer with the recreation department and started participating in the Congressional Award freshman year of high school. At the recreation department, I was coaching, planning events, organizing, running everyday office tasks such as making copies, flyers and mailings.

That year I also started a new sport-field hockey-which I used for the physical fitness portion of the award. During my four years participating in high school, the sport quickly progressed into a serious commitment; it became one of my life’s passions, and I decided I wanted to try to play competitively in college.

Now I am a field hockey coach at American University and I feel very fortunate to have found a career path that I am completely invested in and passionate about. I can’t help but appreciate how the skills I developed while working towards my Congressional Award have applied to the career I am working in now. I once broke down the skill of “kicking a soccer ball” to 5-year-olds; now I teach Division I athletes to develop the skills they need to succeed.

There is so much more to coaching at the top Division I collegiate level than coaching the game. I have to provide a constant, positive influence for my players. I have to mentor, inspire, motivate and mold them into the best possible athletes, students and people they can be. Participating in the Congressional Award was a positive influence and definitely helped guide me in the right direction. The process of setting goals and taking steps to achieve them provided me with exactly what I needed to be successful. Participating in the Congressional Award was a major impact on my young life. I hope to have a similar effect on my players by being able to teach them about goal-setting, believing in themselves and taking small steps to achieve feats they never imagined were possible.

~Melissa Katz
2006 Gold Medalist

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