Message from the National Office
The action and commitment of our young recipients speaks volumes to the impact the Congressional Award program can have across our nation.  As the National Director, it is my privilege to work with so many young people who have dedicated themselves to a lifetime of service and personal development.

With the 2008 Gold Medal Ceremony around the corner, we need to remember that our program would not be possible without the support of donors, adult volunteers, and Members of Congress.

We would like to thank the New Jersey Congressional Delegation for hosting a breakfast in the Library of Congress for some of our supporters in January.  The event was hosted by Representative Rush Holt’s office and attended by Representatives Bill Pascrell, Don Payne and Albio Sires.  In February, Chairman Daniel Inouye and Senator Ted Stevens, held a reception for friends of the Congressional Award, recognizing the contributions of Viacom, BET, Disney, and Time Warner.

Looking forward, we have two major events on the calendar starting with our 14th Annual Golf Tournament on April 28th at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.  In July, we will be hosting our 3rd Annual Chiefs of Staff Poker Tournament with special guest Mr. Phil Ivey.  I would like to thank all of our donors and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

For America's Youth,

Erica W. Heyse
National Director

Recent Ceremonies

The 2008 Twin Falls Ceremony was held in February with the Idaho Congressional Delegation in attendance.
Laurene Schrenk received her Congressional Award Bronze Medal in a ceremony with Congressman Reynolds (NY26).
	Billy Watson received his Congressional Award Bronze Medal at the Mississippi State Wide Ceremony on January 20, 2008.

Participant Spotlight
Jonathan Webster of Langhorne, Pennsylvania recently earned his Gold Medal.  One of his Voluntary Public Service goals was to collect food, toys and stockings as part of the Salvation Army community Christmas effort. Food Baskets and stockings went to disadvantaged families throughout Lower Bucks County. For his Personal Development, Jonathan worked part time in the Dietary Department of St. Mary Medical Center. He pushed to rapidly deliver hot and cold meals to over 300 patients throughout the hospital. Jonathan also wanted to learn and practice Native American Dance and was able to perform for many Boy Scout Troops and other public organizations. He learned that early preparation and hard work can result in success.  In the Physical Fitness area, Jonathan worked to increase his endurance through weight lifting and cardiovascular activityand eventually participated in New York City's Five Boros Bike Tour. Jonathan’s Expedition took him to Florida to work in a retirement community.  By participating in the Congressional Award, Jonathan has learned "to search out new opportunities and to take on more difficult challenges."

Partnership Spotlight
Youth Service America and the Congressional Award have the common goal of assisting youth with service initiatives. YSA is a resource and advising center that helps youth plan and achieve service learning activities, as well as bestowing grants and awards to youth across the country. Founded in 1986, Youth Service America’s mission is to expand the impact of the youth service movement with communities, schools, corporations and governments. Youth Service America’s highlight every year is the Annual Global Youth Service Day which calls on youth around the country and the world to dedicate their time to serving. This year’s Global Youth Service Day activities are taking place between April 25 and April 27. Hundreds of Congressional Award recipients volunteer through service learning and we hope that many more of you will also take this opportunity to join the service movement. For more information on Youth Service America, please visit their website at http://ysa.org.

In Remembrance
On February 11, 2008, Congressman Tom Lantos of California passed after a long battle with cancer of the esophagus.  The late Congressman is part of the Congressional Award family, with his wife, Mrs. Annette Lantos recently being appointed to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.  Congressman Lantos was elected to Congress in 1980 and was in his 14th term in office. His Democratic colleagues elected him chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in January 2007.  The only Holocaust survivor ever elected to Congress, Tom was the founding co-chairman of the 24-year-old Congressional Human Rights Caucus, which Annette has directed as a volunteer since its inception.

Pennsylvania State-Wide Ceremony

On February 19, 2008, the Pennsylvania State-Wide Ceremony was hosted by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA.  Former Senator Harris Wofford and Congressional Award Board Member Cliff Akiyama recognized 104 Keystone State participants with the Congressional Award Bronze & Silver Medal presentations. Pictured with this year's recipients: Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (PA13), Senator Harris Wofford, Board Member Mary Rodgers, and National Director Erica Heyse.

Gold Intern Opportunity
Opportunities are available for past Congressional Award Gold Medalists to apply for 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 Gold Medal Ceremony preparations. The intern will 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.