2019 Gold Medal Ceremony Program Book
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
The seals on the cover represent the two sides of The Congressional Award Medal. The Capitol Dome is surrounded by 50 stars, representing the states of the Union, and is bordered by the words, “Congressional Award.” Bordering the eagle are the words that best define the qualities found in those who have earned this honor, “Initiative – Service – Achievement” The Congressional Award Public Law 96-114, The Congressional Award Act 2019 Gold Medal Ceremony The Congress of the United States United States Capitol Washington, D.C. It is my honor and privilege to applaud the achievements of the recipients of the 2019 Congressional Award Gold Medal. These outstanding 538 young Americans have challenged themselves and made lasting contributions to local communities across this great nation. This is our largest class of Gold Medalists to date! The Gold Medal Ceremony is the culmination of a long journey for our awardees. For each participant the journey was unique, but one that likely included many highs and lows. The Congressional Award program was designed to instill a wide range of life skills and attributes that are necessary to navigate and overcome obstacles on the path to success - both in the classroom and beyond. And now that each young person has met these challenges and attained their goals, we hope they will continue to amaze and inspire us by pursuing their passions, utilizing their talents, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to extend our great appreciation to our partner organizations and sponsors for their continued support. Each organization plays a vital role in our ability to deliver this program, especially in this time of tremendous growth and development. Without your sincere commitment to our mission, this opportunity for our youth would not be possible. And finally, we thank the teachers, parents, community leaders, and loved ones for sharing their resources and personal time. You have made an incredible difference in the lives of these young people. Sincerely, Paxton K. Baker Chairman National Board of Directors EARNINGEARNING THE THE CONGRESSIONAL CONGRESSIONAL AWARD AWARD It is my honor and privilege to applaud the achievements of the recipients of the 2018 Congressional Award Gold Medal. These VoluntaryVoluntary Public Public Service Service outstanding 442 young Americans have challenged themselves and SharingSharing time time and and talents talents for for the the benefit benefit of others. made lasting contributions to local communities across this great nation. This is our largest class of Gold Medalists to date! PersonalPersonal Development Development Pursuing a new interest or advancing to another Pursuing a new interest or advancing to another The Gold Medal Ceremony is the culmination of a long journey for level in an ongoing interest. level in an ongoing interest. our awardees. For each participant the journey was unique, but one that likely included many highs and lows. The Congressional Award Physical Fitness program was designed to instill a wide range of life skills and PhysicalImproving Fitness one’s quality of life. attributes that are necessary to navigate and overcome obstacles on Improving one’s quality of life. the path to success - both in the classroom and beyond. And now that each young person has met these challenges and attained their goals, Expedition/ Exploration Expedition/ Exploration we hope they will continue to amaze and inspire us by pursuing their Immersion in an unfamiliar environment or Immersion in an unfamiliar environment or passions, utilizing their talents, and demonstrating an unwavering culture. culture. commitment to making the world a better place. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to extend our Bronze,Bronze, Silver, Silver and Gold, and CertificatesGold Certificates and andMedals Medals are presented are presented to all to all great appreciation to our partner organizations and sponsors for their eligibleeligible young young people. people. The Bronze The Bronze and Silver and Silver Medals Medals are presented are presented by continued support. Each organization plays a vital role in our ability Membersby Members of Congress of Congress at the local at thelevel. local The level Gold. The Medal Gold Ceremony Medal is to deliver this program, especially in this time of tremendous growth held annuallyCeremony in isthe held U.S. annually Capitol. in the U.S. Capitol. and development. Without your sincere commitment to our mission, this opportunity for our youth would not be possible. No limitsNo limits are placed are placed on the on number the number of Congressional of Congression Awardsal Awards presented presented each year. Any young person, ages 13 ½ - 23, can earn the And finally, we thank the teachers, parents, community leaders, and each year. Any young person, ages 13 ½ - 23, can earn the award. There are noa ward.deadlines, There scholastic are no deadlines, requirements, scholastic or nominating requirement processes,s, or and loved ones for sharing their resources and personal time. You have nominating processes, and participants work entirely at their own made an incredible difference in the lives of these young people. participants work entirely at their own pace. The Congressional Award Gold pacMedale. The is the Congressio pinnacle nalof achievement.Award Gold Medal is the pinnacle of Sincerely, achievement. Complete details on age of entry and required hours are available from Complete details on age of entry and required hours are available the National Office atwww.congressionalaward.org from the National Office at www.congressionalaward.org Paxton K. Baker Chairman National Board of Directors Gold Medal Program 2019 GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY I Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Wyoming June 20, 2019 Congressional Auditorium U.S. Capitol Visitor Center | 10:00 a.m. Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Mary Bruce, ABC News Presentation of the Colors and National Anthem U.S. Capitol Police Invocation Fr. Patrick J. Conroy United States House of Representatives Chaplain Welcoming Remarks Mr. Paxton Baker Chairman of the Board Presentation of the Horizon Award to Gail Miller Presentation of The Congressional Award Gold Medals Members of the United States Congress Closing Remarks 2019 GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY II Alabama, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas June 20, 2019 Congressional Auditorium U.S. Capitol Visitor Center | 12:30 p.m. Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Anna Palmer, POLITICO Presentation of the Colors and National Anthem U.S. Capitol Police Invocation Fr. Patrick J. Conroy United States House of Representatives Chaplain Welcoming Remarks Mr. Paxton Baker Chairman of the Board Presentation of The Congressional Award Gold Medals Members of the United States Congress Closing Remarks 2019 GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY III Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington June 20, 2019 Congressional Auditorium U.S. Capitol Visitor Center | 3:00 p.m. Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Chip Reid, CBS News Presentation of the Colors and National Anthem U.S. Capitol Police Invocation Admiral Barry Black United States Senate Chaplain Welcoming Remarks Mr. Paxton Baker Chairman of the Board Presentation of the Inspiration Award to Mrs. Lynn Lyons Presentation of The Congressional Award Gold Medals Members of the United States Congress Closing Remarks INSPIRATION AWARD – LYNN LYONS Lynn Lyons has served as a Congressional Award Advisor since 1998. She’s worked with over 500 students in Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties in Florida. Having guided nearly 200 participants to the pinnacle of the program, The Congressional Award Gold Medal, Lynn understands the intricacies of what it takes to earn Congress’ highest honor for youth. She has served on the Board of Directors since 2006, most notably contributing her talents to the Program Committee. Prior to retirement, Mrs. Lyons was an elementary educator for 28 years. Mrs. Lyons is a graduate of Rutgers University. HORIZON AWARD – GAIL MILLER Gail Miller is the owner and chairman of the board of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. Gail and her late husband, Larry, grew their business into one of the largest privately-owned companies in the United States. Beginning with the purchase of Toyota of Murray (Utah) in 1979, the Larry H. Miller Group is now comprised of more than 80 businesses and properties operating in 46 states and employing more than 10,000 people. Gail and Larry created a strong legacy of giving back to the communities in which they do business. They founded Larry H. Miller Charities, a nonprofit organization focused on health and education programs that support women and children’s issues. Gail also presides over the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, which supports religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational programs. Gail has been recognized with many public honors including Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College, and an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Weber State University. She is the recipient of the Salt Lake Chamber’s highest award “A Giant in Our City,” as well as the internationally-recognized ATHENA Award. In 2012, Gail married