The

CONGRESS’ AWARD FOR YOUTH There are young people in this room t is a privilege to serve as the Chairman of the only charity of the United “ States Congress – the Congressional Award Foundation. Appointed to the who have overcome tremendous Board of Directors by the House Democratic Leader, I am honored to serve obstacles, but they pushed Iat the pleasure of the congressional leadership to deliver this special youth themselves and they made it. program on behalf of the all members of the House and Senate. We are honoring them today. It has been 36 years since Public Law 96-114, the Congressional Award Act, ” was signed into law by President . The effort was led by the late Senator (R-WY) and the late Representative James J. Howard (D-NJ) and has prospered as a bipartisan effort to recognize achievement and volunteerism in America’s youth. During this past year over 38,000 participants from all 50 states were actively working toward earning a Congressional Award and 5,000 new participants enrolled in the program. Since its inception, over 7 million hours of public service have been contributed to communities nationwide.

Each June, youth from across the nation are honored in the US Capitol for earning Congress’ highest award for youth – the Congressional Award Gold Medal. Members of the House and Senate join the celebration to present Medals to their constituents and to meet with the families and advisors who have supported them in their journey.

Throughout the year, additional events are held in Washington, DC where members of Congress participate to raise awareness and funding from the private sector. These sponsored events are held on an annual basis and support the efforts of the foundation to recognize youth in all 50 states. The four signature fundraising events are the Youth Wellness Dinner, Youth & Technology Dinner, Golf Classic and Charity Poker Tournament. In addition to these events, state dinners occur on a rotating basis to help raise support for outreach efforts within those states. The schedule of events is available from the National Office, which is located on Capitol Hill in the Ford House Office Building.

The Congressional Award relies on support from congressional offices, adult volunteers, partnering youth organizations, and corporate sponsors in order to deliver this unique and worthwhile congressional program to youth across the country. I encourage you to assist us in recognizing young Americans who are making a positive difference in our world.

Sincerely,

Paxton K. Baker Chairman

over 7.1 million hours of voluntary public service 38,000 youth currently working to earn a Congressional Award program areas

Through the Congressional Award program, the U.S. Congress challenges young Americans to challenge themselves, and recognizes young people who set and achieve goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service Sharing time and talents for the benefit of others

Personal Development Pursuing a new interest or advancing to another level in an ongoing interest

Physical Fitness Improving one’s quality of life through participation in fitness activities

Exploration Immersion in an unfamiliar environment or culture

Congress bestows as many awards as there are participants willing to take the challenge youth set their own goals in all four program areas state & local ceremonies outh in every state and Total Active Participants congressional district are participating in the CongressionalY Award program. 38,662 Senator Mike Crapo & Senator Jim Risch of Idaho with This map represents the number Representative Raul Labrador (ID01) of young people actively enrolled Representative Jeff Fortenberry WA Representative Diana DeGette in the program. Ceremonies 650 (CO01) (NE01) Representative Bill Pascrell take place at various venues and ME (NJ09) 126 functions, such as high school MT ND assemblies, town hall meetings 60 30 MN and state fairs. The purpose of OR 343 these events is to present youth 319 with their Bronze and Silver ID WI NY SD 1,262 Medals for achieving their goals 1,586 31 336 and providing service to their WY MI 593 500 communities. The method of IA PA delivery of each Congressional 1,941 NE 153 NH - 152 Award is at the discretion of the NV 359 IN OH VT - 58 member of Congress. 258 IL 573 737 UT 795 MA - 609 603 CO WV Representative Steny Hoyer 664 71 VA RI - 110 (MD05) KS MO 1,907 CA KY CT - 392 502 792 469 5,246 NJ - 2,412 NC TN 1,412 DE - 55 OK 280 MD - 923 AZ 214 AR SC 716 NM DC - 102 123 186 490 Other AL GA (overseas/military) - 141 MS 823 1,112 212 Senator Harry Reid, Nevada TX LA 3,576 164

FL 3,267

AK 56 Representative Rob Whittman HI (VA01) 103 Representative Nancy Pelosi Representative Michael McCaul (CA12) (TX10)

Reprentative Hal Rogers (KY05) Representative Marsha Blackburn (TN07) 535 members of congress recognize, promote, and deliver the program five most active districts: fl18, id02, nj04, wy00, id01 the congressional award Overcoming Obstacles ust one year ago, prior to taking the stage at the youth wellness dinner Miss Idaho competition, a contestant and now he Congressional Award Foundation hosts an annual dinner with Congressional Award Bronze Medalist suffering Jfrom Type 1 diabetes, felt conflicted about wearing her members of the Senate HELP and House Energy and Commerce Committees in Washington, DC. Formerly hosted by the late insulin pump during the Swimsuit competition in front TSenator Ted Kennedy, this annual event provides an opportunity for of thousands of people. Republicans and Democrats alike to come together in celebration of Ultimately, Sandison chose to visibly display her their only charitable foundation. Specifically, this dinner advocates the insulin pump on stage to show support for her friend, importance of civic engagement and physical health and fitness for youth Director of NIH Dr. Francis Collins performs Miss Idaho’s Outstanding Preteen McCall Salinas, and an original song in honor of Congressional – two of the main components of the Congressional Award program. Award Medalists after receiving the 2013 her first-hand experience being a diabetic as well. Howard Wallop Leadership Award. Childhood obesity is an issue that continues to be an ongoing focus on “McCall told me that she was too scared to get a Capitol Hill, and the Congressional Award program encourages activities pump herself, because she didn’t know what people that can prevent this epidemic from spreading to future generations of would think or if they would say she looked weird,” young people. Senators Tom Harkin, Mike Enzi, John Barrasso, John said Sandison. Boozman, Mike Lee and Representatives Joe Barton, David Camp, Sandison took to the stage at the Miss Idaho sierra sandison, twin falls, id Elijah Cummings, Jim Clyburn, Richard Hudson, Xavier Becerra, Jeff competition that year while being a participant in Fortenberry, Gene Green, , Ron Kind, Brendan Boyle, the Congressional Award program. Her ultimate goal Mike McIntyre, Frank Pallone, Jared Polis, Tom Rooney, Paul Tonko and to earn her bronze medal was ‘to contribute to the others have recently attended the dinner to help raise awareness of this diabetic community by spreading awareness about issue and meet with the Congressional Award Gold Medalists from across the disease, encouraging other diabetics and to raise Former Senator Alan Simpson (WY) receives the country. the Leadership Award for his continued money for a cure while promoting healthy lifestyles.’ support of the program. “Sierra has demonstrated enthusiasm, diligence and “The Congressional Award has pushed me to maturity in her pursuit of her goals,” said Lucca. “She lead a well-balanced life by being a constant has gained poise and knowledge which will enable reminder to stay healthy, improve myself her to make valuable contributions to her community daily, and contribute to my community, all in the future.” while maintaining good grades in school.” After being crowned Miss Idaho 2014, she went on to compete in the Miss America Pageant at Boardwalk To meet her goal, Sandison presented diabetes Hall in Atlantic City, . Sandison’s education speeches to groups with Camp Hodia, an placement landed her in the top 16 contestants. The organization that plans activities for youth with Type crown ultimately went to Kira Kazantsev of New York 1 diabetes. Now a medalist, Sandison sees the value in State. taking part in the Congressional Award. Sandison’s story of courage and determination “I learned how much of a difference it made for allowed her to challenge herself mentally and people to work together on reaching their goals,” said physically through her dedication to spreading Sandison. “For example, having a community of other awareness of diabetes. Type 1 diabetics inspired me to take better care of my “The Congressional Award has pushed me to lead own blood sugars, and the walking club encouraged a well-balanced life by being a constant reminder to people to stay active through the walking club.” stay healthy, improve myself daily, and contribute to Family friend and marketing director at Salt & Light my community, all while maintaining good grades Radio, Pam Di Lucca served as Sandison’s advisor for in school,” said Sandison. “I hope to continue this the Congressional Award. rewarding and motivating lifestyle long after I age out Gold Medalist John Orton and Representative (MI12) pose with Leadership Award Honoree, the Honorable . of the Congressional Award program.”

3.2 million hours devoted to physical health and fitness 0% of youth win the award; 100% earn it Hari wasn’t satisfied with simply refining his skills in his area of interest so he took initiative by volunteering to the congressional award serve as the webmaster for The Vector, New Jersey youth and technology dinner Institute of Technology’s college newspaper. “The Vector provides news to the student body. When I started as he Congressional Award Foundation hosts an annual dinner with Webmaster, there was no website. I had to start from members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation scratch and setup a new website. I did not know anything Committee and House Energy and Commerce Committee. The Tpurpose of the event is to advocate the importance of civic engagement about web design when I started, so this project provided me the opportunity to get my feet wet in this new field.” among young people and the critical role technology plays to bring youth of all backgrounds together to serve a common purpose. His work with the school newspaper served a community Representative Frank Pallone (NJ06) The digital world has served to strengthen various forms of youth of over ten thousand students. Hari is most delighted addresses the crowd. that his work has made it easier for students to access engagement. Technology has increased youth awareness of issues and information about campus, community, national, and problems in their own communities as well as other parts of the world. international events. “It also encourages online discussion It has become a powerful tool for communication and coordination of and interaction with fellow students, thus providing youth movements and creating a sense of solidarity among youth of all a democratic outlet for the provision of news from a backgrounds. student perspective.” This event has addressed topics such as online safety, distracted driving, hari ravichandran, holmdel, nj privacy and cyber bullying. “I have matured and developed lasting skills that I can gainfully employ for the rest of my life.” Using STEM For Good Representative Joe Barton (TX06) speaks s any true scientist will tell you, science exists to help “Through pursuing the Congressional Award, I have about civic engagement. others and leads to the greatest advancements in improved my leadership skills, bolstered my writing humankind. Having a passion and gift in chemical skills, and refined my research skills. I have matured and engineeringA and research skills, Congressional Award developed lasting skills that I can gainfully employ for the Gold Medalist Hari Ravichandran wanted to apply his rest of my life.” abilities to help others. The Congressional Award helped Hari’s achievement was recognized at the annual Hari achieve his ambitious goal. Congressional Award Gold Medal ceremony where As early as high school, Hari conducted water electrolysis he met with Senator and Congressman research to support renewable energy storage, even Bill Pascrell. He was fascinated to learn about current earning honors for his efforts at regional and local legislative issues and humbled that the members of the science fairs. This success became the impetus for Hari’s House and Senate took time out of their busy schedules educational and career dreams. for him.

As an intern for Bell Labs, he modeled the heat transfer “I would encourage young people to pursue the of a semiconductor device to increase efficiency and Congressional Award as it will be a learning experience reduce power consumption. When enrolled in college, he for them, and allow them to advance as individuals who was drawn to chemical engineering courses and reached can both succeed and give back to their communities.” out to several professors for research opportunities. As an assistant in a university lab he researched thermites for military applications. Hari stayed on course with his research through the Naval Research Laboratory where Congressional Award Medalists from Mississippi meet with Senator Roger Wicker (MS) and Vice-Chair Dr. Linda Mitchell. he helped to improve the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries.

January 31, 1984: inaugural gold medal ceremony held in statuary hall over 4.7 million hours devoted to personal development, including job training, technology and the arts the congressional award gold medal ceremony

outh are recognized at this annual event in Washington, DC as the culmination of two years dedicated to meeting their goals in Voluntary YPublic Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration. Held on Capitol Hill, the national event brings together youth, advisors, and families from across the country to recognize and Chairman Paxton Baker and Senators Pat Roberts (KS) and Jerry Moran (KS), as well highlight the dedication to service and goals that these as Congressman Kevin Yoder (KS03) present Gold Medalist Priyanka Rao. youth have exhibited. The bicameral, bipartisan event allows members of Congress to present Congressional Award Gold Medals to their constituents in a ceremony attended by other civic and community leaders as well as partnering organizations and friends of the foundation. Since its inception, the Congressional Award has recognized approximately 3,000 Gold Medalists from across the country.

Gold Medalist Aarthy Shah is presented by Board Member Nick Cannon and Representative Suzan DelBene (WA01).

Senator Chris Murphy (CT) presents Gold Medalist Julianna Song with Chairwoman Dr. Linda Mitchell (left) and Board Member Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (TX18) Senator Tim Scott (SC) with Congressional Award Gold Medalists outside of Cannon Caucus Room.

gold ceremonies have been emceed by distinguished journalists such as Bob Schiefer, Wolf Blitzer, and Judy Woodruff 18: average age of a gold medalist “ The 2015 Congressional Award recipients set the finest example and demonstrate dedication to improving their communities and the Nation as a whole. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, it is my privilege to recognize the honored recipients of the 2015 Congressional Award Gold Medal–the highest achievement for America’s youth.” – Representative John Boehner (OH08) Speaker of the House of Representatives

youth from all 50 states and 5 overseas territories participate in the program medals are struck by the US Mint in Representative Collins (GA09) KANSAS MISSISSIPPI Representative Smith (NJ04) 2015 congressional award gold medalists Carianna Farrell Senator Roberts Senator Cochran Alana Gross Senator Moran Senator Wicker Avani Pavuluri IDAHO ALABAMA Representative Eshoo (CA18) Representative Calvert (CA42) Representative Crenshaw Senator Crapo Representative Yoder (KS03) Representative Kelly (MS01) Representative Garrett (NJ05) Senator Shelby Virginia Cook Caroline Dutzi (FL04) Senator Risch Matthew Connell Anne-Marie Prochaska Kevin Ng Senator Sessions Chester Leung Mili Patel Jessica Ocampo Harrison Loughman Daniel Yoon Sabrina Saintil Patrick Connell Representative Labrador (ID01) Representative Harper (MS03) Representative Pallone (NJ06) Representative Roby (AL02) Katherine Grabowsky Joshua Heisey Jessica Wilson Mollie Somers Reber Kennedy Representative Lofgren (CA19) Representative Waters (CA43) Representative Grayson (FL09) Mahroosa Haideri Mason Magee Shanley Lenart Rachel Wilson Jose Rocha David Seo Samuel Vilchez Representative Lance (NJ07) ARIZONA Shivani Lokre Representative Simpson (ID02) MISSOURI John Dadouris Senator McCain Representative Nunes (CA22) Representative Walters (CA45) Representative Rooney (FL17) Grace McGowan Joyce Chan Senator McCaskill Sam Kuster Senator Flake Jonathan Ye Joshua Chung Ashley Royce Maxwell Durtschi Taylor Murphy Jonathan Jow KENTUCKY Senator Blunt Joseph Hinton Representative Gosar (AZ04) Representative Knight (CA25) Christopher Kim Representative Murphy (FL18) Senator McConnell Representative Clay (MO01) Representative Pascrell (NJ09) Brandon Colling Melody Colliatie Gabriela Abadia Kirsten Norton Senator Paul Emilie Liu Seth Alicea Lauren Seckar Zoe Barbeau Jericho Schroeder Mary Ann Cahoon Daniel Yang Daniel Cho Representative Schweikert Maria Dattolo Representative Rogers (KY05) Jacqueline Wong Joshua Yoo ILLINOIS Matthew Grillo (AZ06) Representative Brownley Randell Doane Anna Rogers Senator Durbin Representative Wagner Aakanksha Saxena (CA26) Representative Lowenthal Casey Eble Senator Kirk (MO02) Representative Frelinghuysen Avinash Iyer (CA47) Michaela Fallon LOUISIANA Emily Chiles (NJ11) ARKANSAS Justin Kawaguchi Jennifer Lang Jessica Li Senator Vitter Representative Rush (IL01) Brianne Flaherty Stephanie Quinton Senator Boozman Supreet Shah Brooke Tobias Savannah Logan Senator Cassidy Henry Pawelczyk Holly Laws Thomas Sych Senator Cotton Kailey McCormick Representative Richmond Merran Waller Representative Chu (CA27) Representative Rohrabacher Hugh McGinley Representative Womack Representative Quigley (IL05) (LA02) Representative Watson (NJ12) Justin Cho (CA48) Samuel Meyerson (AR03) Kamila Czachorowski Lorne Wasserman Representative Luetkemeyer Amrita Mojumdar Isaac Kuo Vincent Tran Andrew Morgan Phillip Costello (MO03) Jennifer Nicholas Representative Schakowsky NEW YORK Representative Schiff (CA28) MASSACHUSETTS Mary Turney Representative Issa (CA49) Zachary Panton (IL09) Senator Schumer CALIFORNIA Lesli Fernandez Julie Ambo Senator Warren Senator Feinstein Jessica Pritchard George Kanellitsas Senator Markey NEBRASKA Senator Gillibrand Marisa Salvador Senator Boxer Representative Sherman Representative Peters (CA52) Senator Fischer Samantha Singer Representative Hultgren (IL14) Representative Zeldin (NY01) (CA30) Mackenzie Batten Representative Neal (MA01) Senator Sasse Shelbi Smolak Kyle Goggio Kavya Tangella Representative LaMalfa (CA01) Griffin Armstorff Jacob Chasan Abbie Foster Jake Thiemann Representative Ashford (NE02) Gabriel McDonald Morgan Redford Cassandra Steele Robert Vaughn Vacant (IL18) Sarah Kopsa Representative King (NY02) Representative Lieu (CA33) Jessica Williams Representative McClintock Christopher Warburton John Peters Representative Kennedy Nicole Farese Matthew Cha Cameron Zetterlund (CA04) (MA04) NEVADA Ji Hye Lee INDIANA Representative Israel (NY03) Olivia Brophy Representative Clawson (FL19) Catherine Fisher Senator Reid Senator Coats Arjun Kapoor Representative Becerra (CA34) Robynn-Emmanuelle Katzeff Jordan Helfand Senator Heller COLORADO Senator Donnelly Representative Bera (CA07) Ellen Ingwerson Lucia Kim Senator Bennet Representative Donovan (NY11) Alec Gonzales Representative Hastings Arjun Sridhar Representative Heck (NV03) Senator Gardner Representative Visclosky Ryan Buraus Katie Mersereau Representative Sánchez (FL20) Arbab Khalid (IN01) Jordan Marino (CA38) Ellie Vigurie Representative Clark (MA05) Michael Negraru Representative DeGette Daniel Cieply Representative DeSaulnier Sabrine Keane Jonathan Mak (CO01) Representative Maloney (NY12) (CA11) Representative Deutch (FL21) NEW HAMPSHIRE Alie Fordyce Representative Walorski (IN02) Michael Ivkov Emma Hall Representative Royce (CA39) Michael Schaja Representative Moulton Senator Shaheen Samuel Fordyce Morgan Ludwig Casey Riggs Alexander Cho (MA06) Senaor Ayotte Emma Moon Representative Lowey (NY17) Micheal Riggs Noah Choi Representative Frankel (FL22) Ashley Ryan Representative Guinta (NH01) Kobi Axelrod Jared Wong Nolan Dexter-Brown Katrina Hayes-Macaluso CONNECTICUT Representative Brooks (IN05) Lyssa Winslow Sophie Zhang Jungwoo Han MICHIGAN Senator Blumenthal Representative Diaz-Balart Michael Cheng NORTH CAROLINA Bradley Zhu Joanna Hong Senator Stabenow Senator Murphy (FL25) NEW JERSEY Senator Burr Aaron Kang Senator Peters Nielsen Dias Representative Messer (IN06) Senator Menendez Senator Tillis Representative Pelosi (CA12) Yoorhim Kim Representative Himes (CT04) Hannah Crane Representative Levin (MI09) Senator Booker William Buster Jeff Lee John Peruzzi Representative Price (NC04) GEORGIA James Cook Nicole Nam Senator Isakson Representative Carson (IN07) Representative LoBiondo James Grubbs Representative Swalwell Ki Wan Sim FLORIDA Michael Frye Eli Parker Senator Perdue Representative Miller (MI10) (NJ02) (CA15) Shimona Srivastava Senator Nelson Noah Hicks Corbin Chance Annalise Stevenson IOWA Representative Hudson (NC08) Nicolas Yang Senator Rubio Representative Price (GA06) Frank Faverzani Nihar Varanasi Senator Grassley J. Parker Garrison Seung-Hee Yoo Siri Choragudi MINNESOTA Matthew Halloran Gi Hyeon Yoon Representative Miller (FL01) Senator Ernst Representative Honda (CA17) Tess Luman Senator Klobuchar Juliana Kemenosh Michael Youn Naomi Allen Juhi Dalal Senator Franken Samantha Price Representative Scott (GA08) Representative Young (IA03) Patrick Vin Maria Alverio Chelsea Smith Sara Knighton Representative Kline (MN02) Robert Hapke

19,503 medalists no minimim gpa required to enroll in the program Representative Pittenger Representative Doyle (PA14) Representative Sessions WEST VIRGINIA (NC09) Juliana Kochis (TX32) Senator Manchin Brister Jones Michael Boyson Senator Moore Capito Zachary Maxwell Representative Dent (PA15) Hunter Smith Olivia Morton Representative Vela (TX34) Representative Jenkins Rachel Stogner Jeremy Geiger (WV03) Emma Taylor-Brill SOUTH CAROLINA Tiffani Webb Seth Taylor-Brill Senator Graham UTAH Senator Scott Senator Hatch WISCONSIN Representative Adams (NC12) Senator Lee Senator Johnson Brandon Paul Representative Sanford (SC01) Senator Baldwin Taylor Kennington Representative Stewart (UT02) OHIO John Orton Representative Pocan (WI02) Senator Brown Representative Wilson (SC02) Bogeun Choi Senator Portman Dorothy Smith Representative Chaffetz (UT03) Representative Moore (WI04) Representative Chabot (OH01) Representative Mulvaney Serhat Kariparduc Andrew Zehner Rajat Bhageria (SC05) Alexander Mietchen Abigail Lockhart WYOMING Representative Tiberi (OH12) Samuel Walker VIRGINIA Senator Enzi Atalie Bale Senator Warner Senator Barrasso TENNESSEE Senator Kaine OKLAHOMA Senator Alexander Representative Lummis adan gonzalez, dallas, tx Senator Inhofe Senator Corker Representative Wittman (WY00) Senator Lankford (VA01) Edison Elder Representative Duncan (TN02) Michael Epperly James Fantin Representative Bridenstine Stephen Waldrep KeeGan Johnson Servant Leadership Detailing his passion for education and servant (OK01) Representative Goodlatte Marianna Pizzato TEXAS leadership, Adan believes that “All children in our Felix Guo (VA06) Jeremy Shockley s a U.S. Intercollegiate Boxing Association Senator Cornyn Matthew Higgs Jaynie Welsh National Champion, Adan Gonzalez knows a country have dreams but most of them will never have Senator Cruz the opportunity to work towards them. I created the Senator Casey Representative Brat (VA07) thing or two about fighting. But his fight didn’t Senator Toomey Representative Johnson Erin Lewis startA in a boxing ring. Si Se Puede Network because every child deserves (TX03) the same chance to reach their potential. This is a Representative Brady (PA01) Amanda Lu Representative Beyer (VA08) Born in Dallas, Texas to Mexican immigrants, Adan Fernando Osornio Michelle Laker platform that advocates the needs and desires of our Biraspati Adhikari witnessed many of his peers succumb to poverty, Radhika Adhikari underprivileged communities, builds scholars in the Representative Weber (TX14) Representative Comstock drugs, and gang activity. His daily life was a fight in Jamuna Bista corners of these communities, and equips students Rupa Dulal Nick Zamora (VA10) every sense of the word. Devika Gurung Rachel Bugge with the skills to connect different communities. The Representative Flores (TX17) Karna Karki Christina Flear Camden Brown “I never understood that my life was difficult because Si Se Puede Network seeks to give a voice to the Basanta Lamichhane Nikki Kothari Austin Smith everything about the struggle was ‘normal.’ I grew up voiceless.” Representative Castro (TX20) Representative Fattah (PA02) Jocelyn Hernandez listening to negative statistics about my community. Ferdinand Luhur Representative Connolly (VA11) Tristana Giunta Now it’s my responsibility for them to also know all Representative Smith (TX21) “Learn to value where you’re from, whom Representative Costello (PA06) Charlotte Heffelmire Lincoln Abbott the great things we can do.” you’re becoming, and what you want to do.” Ni Em Par Taylor Lane Gopinath Thangada Suhani Sanghavi Now, a graduate of Georgetown University and Representative Meehan (PA07) Representative Olson (TX22) Rishi Prasad WASHINGTON Congressional Award Gold Medalist, Adan has made Adan’s inspiring story has allowed him to interact Karishma Kashyap Senator Murray and engage with over 100,000 students and parents. Laura Mediorreal it his personal mission to ensure that no child in Representative Marino (PA10) Senator Cantwell His advice for young people that may seemingly be Hunter Benkoski Karen Yang America has to go through these types of hardships. Representative DelBene in a disadvantaged circumstance is to “learn to value Representative Marchant He founded the Si Se Puede (Yes, We Can) Network, a Representative Rothfus (PA12) (WA01) where you’re from, whom you’re becoming, and what J. Aaren Barge (TX24) Catherine Jessen non-profit organization that prepares disadvantaged Sophia Lee Raghav Kalra youth to be “candidates for scholarships, fellowships, you want to do. We do not need a superman to come Representative Reichert rescue us. We need each other to help discover our Representative Boyle (PA13) Representative Bernice (WA08) and higher education pursuits.” By providing students Michael Alvaro Johnson (TX30) Danielle Heins with mentorship, leadership training and encouraging own powers.” Adan Gonzalez Brittany Levy volunteerism, the Si Se Puede Network is cultivating Tara Santora Representative Heck (WA10) Representative Carter (TX31) Kyle Sukley Dae Han Seong relationships in underserved communities and Rebecca Pulley Kabita Thapa equipping students with road maps for success.

over 10,000 adult mentors serving as congressional award advisors over 15,000 schools represented the congressional award charity golf tournament

he Annual Congressional Award Golf Classic is held at the beautiful TPC Potomac Golf Course at Avenel Farm, in Potomac, Maryland. Recently redesigned Tby golf’s most elite architects, the course is among those of the PGA Tour’s acclaimed TPC Network of clubs. This event brings together current and former Members of Congress, as well as prominent guests such as NBA Hall of Famer Golf Classic Chairman David Falk makes opening remarks before play. Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, Jeff Green, Chris Doleman, Emmitt Smith and Roger Clemens.

Honorary Co-Chair Senator Mike Enzi (WY) Golf carts lined up before the shotgun start checks the final scores of his fellow golfers.

Representative Gregg Harper (MS03) and his Chief of Staff Michael Cravens (right)pose with Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith who was recognized with the Horizon Award for his work on behalf of America’s Youth. Play is halted for a picture with Representative James Clyburn (SC06) and friends of the Award.

medalists include young men and women from all 5 branches of the military 112 co-sponsors of original bill, which became public law 96-114 the congressional award charity poker tournament

he Congressional Award Charity Poker Tournament is an annual event for poker enthusiasts from across the spectrum including Members of Congress, TChiefs of Staff, poker pros and friends of the Award for an evening of bluffs and blinds, all in the name of charity.

The event also features a Silent Auction and reception for those who may not be inclined to show-off their poker Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC03) and Congressman Jeff Denham (CA10) showing skills but still want to take part in the event. Special guests their support for fellow members of congress have included poker pros and philanthropists Phil Ivey and and chiefs of staff during the annual Congressional Award Poker Tournament. Dennis Phillips.

Representatives Jeff Denham (CA10) and Billy Long (MO07) try to Representative Bobby Scott (VA03) mingles get pointers before play from Poker Players Dennis Phillips and Greg during the tournament. Raymer.

Tournament Co-Chair, Congressman Dennis Heck (WA10) watches play during the tournament. Tournament Co-Chair, Congressman Billy Long (MO07) makes remarks and introduces professional poker player and special guest, Mr. Dennis Phillips.

past horizon awardees include Drew Brees, Tony Horton, Dominique Dawes, Dwayne Johnson and Nick Cannon youth have traveled to 7 continents for their explorations the congressional award the congressional award contributors state fundraising dinners The Congressional Award Foundation gratefully acknowledges the following corporations and individuals for generously providing support this year: he Congressional Award Foundation hosts state dinners and receptions on a rotating basis to raise awareness of program 3M Comcast Northrop Grumman activities in that particular state. These events are all held in AARP The Crestar Group Novartis TWashington, DC. Members of Congress attend to help thank the Abbott CSX Novo Nordisk contributors from these states and to forge new state partnerships that AbbVie Inc. Mr. Marshall Cutler Peabody Energy will enhance the program. Accenture Dallas Cowboys Pepco Akerman Senterfitt LLP Diageo PhRMA Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) addresses Special awards are presented to individuals from these states who have attendees at the Western State Dinner. Mr. Cliff Akiyama Mr. Mitchell Draizin Poker Players Alliance displayed an outstanding commitment to improving the lives of our nation’s young people. Recognition is also given to partnering organizations for Alliance of Automobile Edward Jones Prudential Manufacturers providing critical support in the Congressional Award Foundation’s efforts Mr. David Falk Mr. Glenn Reynolds Alpha Natural Resources to make the Congressional Award a national opportunity. FedEx Robert Philipson & Co. Altria Florida Power and Light Mr. Adam Ruiz Recent honorees include the Honorable , David Pryor, Amazon FMC Corporation Ms. Beth Ruoff Robert Bennett, Alan Simpson, and Ray LaHood. American Airlines Mr. Doug E. Fresh Sanofi American Gaming Association G2 Secure Staff, LLC Scherder & Associates American Maritime Officers Dr. Lawrence Green Shell Representative Richard Hudson (NC08) American Trucking Associations International Council of Shopping Secretary Rodney Slater presents Representative Patrick Murphy America’s Health Insurance Plans Centers (FL18) with a plaque recognizing his district Mr. DeMaurice Smith for the most participants. AmerisourceBergen Corporation Johnson & Johnson Mr. Jimmie Lee Solomon Amgen Inc. Mr. Lee Klumpp Stewart J. Rahr Foundation Amway Mr. Boris Kodjoe Ted Leonsis Foundation Arch Coal KWL Management T-Mobile Astellas Pharma US, Inc. Lerner Family Foundation Toyota AstraZeneca Mr. Kevin Liles Transamerica Aufricht Foundation Mr. Raul Magdaleno Turner Sports Mr. and Mrs. Paxton Baker Mr. Patrick McLain UBS Bank of America MedStar Health Under Armour Bayer The Meltzer Group Mr. Jason Van Pelt Black Entertainment Television Merck Vertex Pharmaceuticals Mr. Edward Blansitt Micron Technology, Inc. Viacom BlueCross BlueShield Association Microsoft Virgin America BNSF Railway Motorola The Washington Nationals BP America National Association of Broadcasters Williams & Jensen Bridgestone Firestone National Basketball Association Williams Company Bristol-Myers Squibb National Beer Wholesalers Mr. Jon Wood Association Caesars Yahoo! CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Nike, Inc. CenturyLink Mr. Kimberly Norman Members and medalists from Illinois present Hon. Ray LaHood with the Leadership Award. From left, Gold Medalist Graham Novak, Hon. Ray LaHood, Silver Medalist Noah Flynn, Representative Tammy Duckworth (IL08), Representative Rodney Davis (IL13), representative Danny Davis (IL07) and Mr. Dan Cohen The Normandy Group Secretary Rodney Slater, Vice Chairman of the Congressional Award.

14-24: age range of participants over 4,500 new registrations in 2014 KATHY DIDAWICK board officers BlueCross BlueShield Association Chairman LANCE D. MAGNUM PAXTON K. BAKER DR. WILEY DOBBS FedEx Washington Nationals Idaho

PATRICK MCLAIN Vice Chairperson sanofi LINDA MITCHELL, PHD MITCHELL DRAIZIN MSU Extension Service Longview Capitol Advisors MARC MONYEK Vice Chairman DAVID FALK Illinois SECRETARY RODNEY SLATER F.A.M.E. KIMBERLY NORMAN GEORGE B. GOULD Texas Treasurer Washington, DC LEE KLUMPP, CPA MARK REESE BDO USA, LLP DR. LARRY GREEN Johnson & Johnson Maryland Secretary ADAM RUIZ CHERYL MADDOX J. STEVEN HART, ESQ. Kentucky Kentucky Williams & Jensen, P.C. BETH ANN RUOFF National Director JESSE HILL Washington, DC ERICA HEYSE Edward Jones Investments DEMAURICE SMITH THE HONORABLE RICHARD HUDSON NFL Players Association board members U.S. Representative CLIFF AKIYAMA JASON VAN PELT Philadelphia College of Osteopathic DAVID W. HUNT, ESQ. Novartis Medicine Legal Counsel RITA VASWANI SIMEON BANISTER THE HONORABLE JOHNNY ISAKSON Nevada State Bank New York U.S. Senator KATHRYN WEEDEN ED BLANSITT, CPA THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE U.S. Senate Page School Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Representative Montgomery County, Maryland SHAWN WHITMAN DR. BRIAN JOHNSON FMC Corporation ROMERO BROWN Maryland Boys and Girls Clubs of America JON WOOD PAUL KELLY Maryland LAUREL CALL The Federal Group Texas CHARMAINE YOEST, PhD BORIS KODJOE AUL NICK CANNON California California LYNN LYONS DAN COHEN Florida Enteromedics, Inc. RAUL MAGDALENO EDWARD L. COHEN Magdaleno Consulting Group Lerner Enterprises THE HONORABLE U.S. Senator

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