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 2018 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 2018 Congressional Award Gold Medal. These outstanding 442 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! 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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 2018 GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY I Arizona, Georgia, Guam, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Utah, Washington, Wyoming June 21, 2018 Kennedy Caucus Room Russell Senate Office Building | 10:00 a.m. Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Mr. Jonathan Karl ABC 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 2018 GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY II California, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas June 21, 2018 Kennedy Caucus Room Russell Senate Office Building | 12:30 p.m. Introduction by Master of Ceremonies 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 Inspiration Award to Mr. Daniel Moyer Presentation of The Congressional Award Gold Medals Members of the United States Congress Closing Remarks 2018 GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY III Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin June 21, 2018 Kennedy Caucus Room Russell Senate Office Building | 3:00 p.m. Introduction by Master of Ceremonies 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 Congressional Award Gold Medals Members of the United States Congress Closing Remarks INSPIRATION AWARD – DANIEL MOYER Mr. Daniel Moyer is a native of Southern California and grew up in Long Beach, California, where he attended Bethany Lutheran Elementary and Middle School and Millikan High School. Mr. Moyer is the son of working class parents and was the first member of his family to attend college. During high school, he competed in the sport of wrestling. His passion for wrestling coupled with a desire to further his education, led him to Cerritos Junior College, where he wrestled at the 177 lb. weight class and was a member of the 1995 State Championship Team. After graduating with Highest Honors, Mr. Moyer transferred from Cerritos College to Concordia University in Irvine, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned both a B.A. in English Literature and a M.A. in Education, with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Moyer was hired by Lutheran High School of Orange County, where he served for seven years in a number of roles, including English teacher, English Department Chair, Head Wrestling Coach, and Summer School Principal. While at Lutheran High School, Mr. Moyer had the opportunity to serve in leadership roles, which he found were well-suited to his gifts. With a growing passion in the area of school leadership, Mr. Moyer attended Azuza Pacific University and earned an Administrative Credential. He transitioned from Lutheran High School to St. Paul’s Lutheran School of Orange, where he served as Vice Principal. During his time at St. Paul’s, the school’s enrollment grew to over 600 students - the highest enrollment in the school’s history. After five successful years at St. Paul’s and with an interest in returning to the high school level, Mr. Moyer accepted the position of Vice Principal of Academics at Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine. Mr. Moyer is currently in his sixth year at Crean Lutheran. Over the last five years, the school has increased Advanced Placement course offerings from 12 to over 20, UC a-g offerings from 60 to over 100, consistently improved student test scores, and sent over 95% of graduates each year to two- or four-year colleges. Additionally, Mr. Moyer has completed all coursework required to earn a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and is currently working on his dissertation. Beyond his personal and professional educational journey, Mr. Moyer has dedicated his time to volunteer work. Whether he is serving at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Cypress, teaching children the foundational skills involved in the sport of wrestling, or guiding students through their pursuit of The Congressional Award, Mr.