Gold 2009
The dates for the 2009 Gold Medal Ceremony events have been set and are below. Record Books that were received on or before the annual deadline of February 1, 2009 should have been reviewed by the committee. Participants should be receiving approval letters over the next several weeks. If you submitted materials and would like to check on the status of your submission, please email Gold@CongressionalAward.org.
Deadlines and Event Dates: 4/17/2009 - RSVP’s and payment ($350) for the Week-Long program are due to the National Office. If you would like to apply for financial aid, you must submit this request before April 1, 2009. To request the forms, please contact Gold@CongressionalAward.org.
5/1/2009 - RSVP’s and biographies (via email to Gold@CongressionalAward.org) are due into the National Office. To submit your biography online click here.
5/19/2009 - The National Office will approve additional Ceremony and Recognition Dinner seats via email. Only requests that have been received via email or submitted online prior to 5/1/2009 will be considered.
I can think of no higher accolade than being a recipient of the Congressional Award Foundation’s Gold Medal. In fact, I think so highly of the way the Congressional Award helps to mold young people that I believe every person between the ages of 14 and 24 should strive to earn a medal. This June, more than 275 young people from all across the United States will come to Washington, DC, to be honored by their families, their mentors and their country.
Almost 30,000 more young people are currently working toward the Congressional Award Gold Medal. As the Secretary to the Board of Directors and an advisor to some two hundred students, I am proud to work with such deeply invested and dedicated people. The Board of Directors has been working tirelessly to meet the newest members of Congress and to make sure they know how their state’s youth can benefit from participation in the Award. The 15th Annual Golf Classic, the New Member Reception and the Charity Poker Event engage our Senators and Representatives and act as a reminder of the many benefits provided by the Congressional Award.
I have seen the changes in individuals brought about by committing to bettering themselves physically, intellectually, and in the eyes of their communities. Our new President has called upon our nation’s youth to continue the long tradition of service and to strengthen the spirit of independence that has made great citizens and leaders in our country. And I know our young people can answer that call!
Together I know we can make a difference!
Sincerely,
Ms. Mary Rodgers
Secretary, National Board of Directors
Participant Spotlight
For Michael Cox, 2009 marks the end of his high school career and many of the activities that shaped his life to this point. Four years ago, Michael thought himself a “typical scared freshman.” After having just earned his Congressional Award Gold Medal, though, Michael finds that he has left that freshman behind. “I consider this not the end of a journey as I complete my application for the Congressional Award, just a new starting point to begin a new adventure and continue to grow,” said Michael. Through his participation in the Congressional Award program, Michael developed his leadership skills with Boy Scouts of America and the Senate Page Program.
Michael's road to the rank of Eagle Scout through Boy Scouts of America gave him the discipline to pursue the Congressional Award. It was through scouting that Michael prepared for his expedition activities at Philmont Scout Ranch. For Physical Fitness he worked to earn a spot on the Varsity Tennis Team his sophomore year.
He learned that the most frustrating work can also be the most rewarding through his conservation efforts in his local community. “The needs of the community are great, and there are lots of opportunities to help,” said Michael. “It is a good feeling knowing that I had these opportunities and could help others.”
Congressional Spotlight
Congressman Dave Reichert spent almost 30 years in law enforcement before becoming the Representative for Washington's Eighth Congressional District. "During my years of law enforcement," said Reichert, "I saw so much pain and the problems that can result from children not being active, not being given opportunities and the lack of a mentor that can help guide them through hard times." The Congressman has dedicated his career to public service, from being a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves to becoming King County's first elected sheriff in 30 years. Currently in his third term as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Reichert also serves as a member of the Special Olympics of Washington State Board of Directors. "The Congressional Award program assists in giving much-deserved recognition to these students who are volunteering and making a difference in their communities," said Reichert. "It creates a basis for getting involved in service, and developing a lifelong commitment to helping people in our communities. The program is inspiring and creates an example for young people everywhere."
Advisor Quote
"The Congressional Award program is valuable because it requires concerted, long- term commitment. Today we live in a culture that values instantaneous gratification. This program is not easily or quickly done. Its design requires and strengthens patience. Tolstoy said the two most powerful warriors are patience and time. We teach students that desire is the key to motivation. However, as the program design reveals it is determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of a goal that enables one to attain the success they seek." - Susan Harper, The Barstow School (Kansas City, MO)
2009 Congressional Award Gold Medal Ceremony and Events
The dates for the Congressional Award Gold Medal Week have been set!!! Hundreds of youth have submitted their Record Books for the 2009 Gold Medal Ceremony. Youth wishing to be included in this year's ceremony must have submitted their Record Books by February 1st, and submitted revisions if applicable by March 15th. Gold Medalists included in this year's events should be receiving their approval letters in the mail over the next several weeks.
IMPORTANT DATES: May 1, 2009 - RSVP's and Biographies due to the National Office May 19, 2009 - Additional Seat Requests will be confirmed June 20, 2009 - Gold Medal Week-Long Begins June 25, 2009 - Gold Medal Ceremony & Recognition Dinner June 26, 2009 - Gold Medal Alumni Brunch in the Capitol Complex
RSVP forms were mailed to all approved Gold Medalists. Gold Medalists are allotted four guest seats to the Gold Medal Ceremony in the Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill. Gold Medalists who wish to request additional seats must do so in writing to gold@congressionalaward.org or use our online form by clicking here. Gold Medalists are also allotted two guest seats at the Gold Medal Recognition Dinner. Gold Medalists may purchase additional seats to the Recognition Dinner for $100. Requests for additional seats must be made in writing to gold@congressionalaward.org or submitted through our online form.
Congressional Award Video
The Missouri Congressional Award Council dedicated a large part of 2008 to promoting the Award to youth throughout their state. Their Board has seen tremendous success in reaching out to schools and partnering organizations.
In 2008, the Council also made it their goal to create a promotional video that could reach even more youth in Missouri. In this video created by Gold Medalist Chris Weddle, Missouri captures the spirit of the Congressional Award as seen through its medalists, advisors, and board members. We would like to congratulate Missouri Council President Mike Esser and his outstanding board of volunteers for their work. It is such an outstanding accomplishment!
To see the 30-Second Promotional Video also created by the Missouri Council, Click Here.
15th Annual Congressional Award Golf Classic
The 15th Annual Congressional Award Golf Classic will be held on May 4, 2009 at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. Breakfast is at 7:00 am, with a shotgun start at 8:00 am. We are looking at expanding our tournament and bringing many new ideas along with it to make the tournament a bigger success.
Pictured from left to right at the 2008 Golf Classic: Chairman Emeritus John M. Falk, ESQ., Board Member Jon Wood, Treasurer Dan Scherder, Board Member Glenn T. Reynolds, Golf Co-Chairman David Falk, DC Council Member At-Large Kwame Brown, National Chairman Paxton K. Baker, Senator Michael Enzi (WY), Rep. Tom Latham (IA04) and Rep. Todd Tiahrt (KS04).
Opportunities are available for past Congressional Award Gold Medalists to apply for semester internship positions at the Congressional Award National Office in Washington, DC. The intern will work with Program Managers to promote the Congressional Award to Members of Congress, youth organizations, schools, Congressional Award Advisors and state/local media. He/she will assist in program operations and events throughout the semester. The intern must be an innovative thinker and team player. An effective candidate will have excellent writing and interpersonal skills. Please submit a letter of interest with resume and writing sample to the National Office, attention: Kathleen Deschler.
Share Your Pictures and Experiences with Us!!!
If you have pictures of a ceremony or stories regarding the Congressional Award, please send them to us via email at information@congressionalaward.org.
I can think of no higher accolade than being a recipient of the Congressional Award Foundation’s Gold Medal. In fact, I think so highly of the way the Congressional Award helps to mold young people that I believe every person between the ages of 14 and 24 should strive to earn a medal. This June, more than 275 young people from all across the United States will come to Washington, DC, to be honored by their families, their mentors and their country. 
The dates for the Congressional Award Gold Medal Week have been set!!! Hundreds of youth have submitted their Record Books for the 
The 15th Annual Congressional Award Golf Classic will be held on May 4, 2009 at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. Breakfast is at 7:00 am, with a shotgun start at 8:00 am. We are looking at expanding our tournament and bringing many new ideas along with it to make the tournament a bigger success. 
Opportunities are available for past Congressional Award Gold Medalists to apply for semester internship positions at the Congressional Award National Office in Washington, DC. The intern will work with Program Managers to promote the Congressional Award to Members of Congress, youth organizations, schools, Congressional Award Advisors and state/local media. He/she will assist in program operations and events throughout the semester. The intern must be an innovative thinker and team player. An effective candidate will have excellent writing and interpersonal skills. Please submit a letter of interest with resume and writing sample to the National Office, attention: 
