Gold 2011 Dates
While we are still closing out the Gold 2010 Class, we would like to note the Gold 2011 Important Dates and Deadlines:

February 1, 2011 - ALL Gold Medal Record Books that would qualify for the 2011 Ceremony in June must be postmarked, faxed or emailed by this date. If you would like to be invited to the 2011 Gold Medal Ceremony, you must meet this deadline; late submissions will be reviewed for the 2012 Ceremony. We do not recommend sending materials via UPS, FedEx, or Registered Mail as these options often add steps to the mail process, which often leads to misplaced or lost packages within the Post Office. If you are concerned about your submission, you may contact the National Office. Please allow a week after you sent the submission for travel and processing time.

March 15, 2011 - If you met the submission deadline and revisions were requested, you must submit all of the requested revisions by this date (postmark, fax or email). If we do not receive your revisions, you will be moved to the 2012 Ceremony group.

April 1, 2011 - All Gold Medal Record Books must be approved for the Gold 2011 Ceremony.

April 10, 2010 - Gold Week-Long RSVPs and Payment must be received in the National Office. If you would like to take part in the Gold Week-Long Program, we recommend getting approved early in order to meet this deadline!

May 1, 2011 - Ceremony RSVP Forms and biographies must be submitted. Even if a medalist is not planning on attending the 2011 Ceremony, a biography and RSVP Form should be submitted. If a Medalist is requesting additional seats to the Ceremony, this request must be sent in writing to Gold@congressionalaward.org by this date.

May 19, 2011 - Extra seats at any of the events will be approved.

June 2011 - Gold Medal Ceremony - We will not know the exact dates of the Gold events until late Fall 2010. We will notify all of our approved medalists of the dates as they become available. Please do not make any travel arrangements until you have been approved for the Gold Ceremony and have received the RSVP packet (late Fall 2010).

Please check the Gold Webpage for Information. This will be updated as dates and events are confirmed.

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Registration Fee Increase
Beginning January 1, 2011, the Registration Fee for the Congressional Award will increase to $15. Additional information regarding the increase can be found here. Registrations postmarked AFTER January 1, 2011 should include the $15 Registration Fee.

Kaitlyn Chana
2010 Congressional Award Gold Medalist
Altamonte, Florida

Having the honor of earning the Congressional Gold Medal is extremely rewarding. The Gold Week 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. 

Having the opportunity to share my ultimate passion for my national non-profit organization, Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness, Inc., 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 was 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. 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

Congressman Roy Blunt
Missouri's 7th Congressional District

Congressman Roy Blunt has always exhibited a strong passion for the people of his home state of Missouri. Even before he entered public office, Blunt has shown interest in America’s youth and the way they benefit the community. Prior to his time as a United States Representative, Blunt worked to touch the lives of numerous young students through his role as a high school history teacher. From there he jumped into a larger role eventually becoming the president of his alma mater, Southwest Baptist University. This close interaction with the Missouri youth prove his belief that, “Young people are the future leaders of our nation.By volunteering in their communities early on, they are learning more about the world and helping those around them.”

This belief also brings Blunt to see the value in a 2010 Gold Medalist like Austin Coon of Springfield, Missouri.When talking about the Congressional Award, Blunt began joyously speaking of Coon. “Congressional Award Gold Medal recipients like Austin Coon, from my Congressional district in Southwest Missouri, are making a significant contribution to their communities and towns.I am proud that he is representing Southwest Missouri.”

As a member of the House of Representatives, Blunt is also able to see the good that comes from inspiring the youth and daring them to be great.Through the Congressional Award’s work, young people across the nation are doing great things on a daily basis. “Programs like the Congressional Award are an excellent way to encourage young people to achieve personal goals and make a positive impact on their community.I am thankful for the program’s efforts to promote service.”

Michele Tadlock
Advisor
Offutt AFB, Nebraska

Life on an Air Force Base often flies by at a high-speed pace. Airmen and women are constantly on the go— serving their country with the utmost dedication. But even the hardworking men and women of the Air Force must take some time off to recover, regroup and enjoy some hard-earned recreation.

That’s where Michele Tadlock steps in. As Offutt’s Recreational Specialist, Tadlock helps to build a sense of community between the 2,255 families living on base. That includes coordinating and implementing a variety of activities for youth on the base. Tadlock considers The Congressional Award a terrific way to build community.

“This program is a perfect way for youth to begin their journey in their community and becoming a better person,” Tadlock said. “The Congressional Award is such a valuable program because it is a stepping stone for youth to get involved in new activities and organizations in their communities.”

Since becoming an advisor in 2004, Tadlock has supervised many Nebraska youth as they take up the Congressional Award challenge. She also helps plan the local Nebraska award ceremony, which is done according to military protocol— a unique way to celebrate a unique community. Tadlock aims to continue to encourage youth toward community involvement.

“It is important for youth to stay involved in their community so they will become a vital member of their community. By engaging in their community the youth will have a better understanding of their surroundings and what it has to offer.”

The Congressional Award Foundation held its annual Senate HELP Committee Dinner on June 22, 2010 in Washington, D.C.  Former Senator John Culver (IA) was presented with the Leadership Award by Senator Tom Harkin, joining the ranks of former award recipients Secretary Colin Powell, President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter and Senator Bob Dole. The Leadership Award is presented to individuals in the public sector for their outstanding commitment to challenge, encourage and honor the accomplishments of young Americans. A full press release can be found here.

The 5th Annual Congressional Award Charity Poker Tournament has been scheduled for October 6, 2010. Last year was our largest turn out yet, and playing spots at this year's tournament are certain to sell out quickly. To join us in going "all in" for charity, please contact Information@congressionalaward.org.

Medalists from Virginia's 7th District met with Congressman Eric Cantor at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. for food and friendliness. The Congressman's home district supplied three medalists for the day's luncheon. Ambassador Noreiga, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Award Board, was also in attendance. More information can be found here.