FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bethie Woodall April 15, 2021 [email protected]

U.S. Congress Recognizes 54 Students for Achievements in Service and Personal Development

APRIL 15, 2021 – Students across the Peach State came together for the first Annual Congressional Award Georgia Statewide Ceremony. Presented by Aflac, the virtual event recognized 54 youth medalists for their dedication to bettering their communities through voluntary public service in addition to achieving long-term personal goals.

The ceremony was led by Congressman (GA-11) and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA06) – who represent the congressional districts with the highest number of medalists from GA this year. Speakers and presenters also included Congressman (GA-01), Congresswoman (GA-05), Congresswoman (GA-07), and Congressman (GA02).

Brad Knox, Senior Vice President and Counsel at Aflac, reflected on the positive impact of the program on Georgia’s students, “The Congressional Award program helps recognize the positive contributions of America’s youth and today we celebrate those students who have met their goals and found ways to give back to their communities.” He continued, “You all have contributed to the betterment of Georgia in such a positive and inspiring way.”

Congresswoman McBath commended the students for their efforts, “The commitment, time, and energy you have dedicated has allowed you to flourish as individuals as you have diligently worked to improve our communities. Even the smallest act of service goes along way and can change a person’s life forever.”

Congressman Loudermilk extended appreciation to the entire Congressional Award community by recognizing “the parents, the teachers, the community leaders and, most importantly, the students” for their willingness to step up.

Bronze Medalist Rishan Patel of shared the most rewarding part of earning his award was “the feeling of accomplishing something new out of my comfort zone.” Georgia’s student participation in the Congressional Award program continues to grow steadily, largely due to Aflac’s support in the region.

About The Congressional Award is the ’ only charity and the highest honor bestowed upon a youth civilian through the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Established by Congress as a public-private partnership in 1979 under Public Law 96-114, the program recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in youth ages 13 ½ - 23. Learn more at www.congressionalaward.org.

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The Congressional Award | Congress’ Award for Youth 379 Ford House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515 • P: (202) 226-0130 • F: (202) 226-0131 Mailing Address: Post Office Box 77440 • Washington, DC 20013

Bronze Medalists: Silver Medalists: Dhanesh Amin, Johns Creek Rebecca Case, Ringgold Robert Bareza, Kennesaw Daniel Hong, Suwanee Shreya Basireddy, Suwanee Vihan Karnala, Alpharetta Claudia Calderon-Figueroa, Peachtree City Sophia Lee, Buford Madelyn Carlson, Atlanta Catherine Mi, Alpharetta Kristin Catterton, Rutledge Shivan Patel, Atlanta Darion Davis, Augusta Rishan Patel, Atlanta Mingye Fan, Johns Creek Carlos Perez, Loganville Jack Genovese, Atlanta Vignesh Ravichandran, Alpharetta Danielle Gibson, Warner Robins Sabrina Yeh, Johns Creek Megan Harris, Fayetteville Julio Hernandez, Atlanta Gold Medalists: Riley Hernandez, Atlanta Mitali Bidkar, Cumming Ashley Jian, Johns Creek David Edenfield, Savannah Perrin Kendall, Atlanta Dorothy Hudspeth, Avondale Estates Dashon Leggette, Decatur Anuhya Kanchibhatla, Duluth Theodore Luxemburger, Marietta Charlie Kazazian, Atlanta Haley McKay, Alpharetta Manas Mudunuri, Cumming Brandon Moore, Macon Rahul Nakkina, Johns Creek Tessa Reitz, Cumming Nathan Ramaswamy, Suwanee Maya Richardson, Kennesaw Kruthik Ravikanti, Alpharetta Khalil Rutledge, Stone Mountain Rebekah Seng, Canton Caden Somerville, Bishop Shourya Seth, Alpharetta Matthew Turpin, Blackshear Sumil Shah, Milton Mikayla Walters, Decatur Sarah Street, Atlanta Kierra Welch, Macon Gabriel Weiss, Marietta Christiana White, Fairburn Henry Xuan, Duluth Derenski Wooden, Americus McKenna Yearick, Lilburn