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 Award, “Initiative – Service – Achievement.” The Congressional Award Public Law 96-114, The Congressional Award Act 2017 Gold Medal Award Ceremony The Congress of the United States United States Capitol Washington, D.C. National Board of Directors It is my honor and privilege to applaud the achievements of the recipients of the 2017 Congressional Award Gold Medal. These outstanding 373 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 Earning the Congressional Award Voluntary Public Service- serving others and the community. (Examples: volunteer work at nursing homes, libraries, or parks) Personal Development- developing interests, social and/or employment skills. (Examples: dance, public speaking or part-time jobs) Physical Fitness- improving quality of life through fitness activities. (Examples: basketball, running or exercise with appropriate modifications) Expedition/ Exploration- undertaking a wilderness or venture experience. (Examples: primitive camping, biking tour or studying in a foreign country) Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates and Medals are presented to all eligible young people. The Bronze and Silver Medals are presented by Members of Congress at the local level. The Gold Medal Award Ceremony is held annually in the U.S. Capitol. No limits are placed on the number of Congressional Awards presented each year. Any young person, age 14-23, can earn the Award. There are no deadlines, scholastic requirements, or nominating processes, and participants work entirely at their own page. The Congressional Award Gold Medal is the pinnacle of achievement. Complete details on age of entry and required hours are available from the National Office at www.congressionalaward.org Gold Medal Program 2017 Gold Medal Award Ceremony I June 21, 2017 U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Congressional Auditorium | 10:00 a.m. Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Mr. Wolf Blitzer CNN 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 Master of Ceremonies – Mr. Wolf Blitzer Wolf Blitzer is CNN’s lead political anchor and the anchor of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, which airs week- days at 5 p.m. ET, providing viewers with in-depth reports about the politi- cal, international, and breaking news stories of the day. In addition, he an- chors “Wolf,” airing weekdays at 1 p.m. ET, focusing on the most important news from Washington and around the world. Blitzer has been with the network for more than two decades. Blitzer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Arts degree in international relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. In addition, Blitzer has numerous honorary degrees from educational institutions across the country, including The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; State University of New York at Buf- falo; The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and The Pennsyl- vania State University in State College, Pa. 2017 Gold Medal Award Ceremony II June 21, 2017 U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Congressional Auditorium | 2:30 p.m. Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Mr. Mateo Raul Magdaleno 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 Dr. Wiley Dobbs Idaho Congressional Delegation Presentation of The Congressional Award Gold Medals Members of the United States Congress Closing Remarks Master of Ceremonies – Mr. Mateo Magdaleno Mateo Raul Magdaleno is an author and Chief Education Officer for the IDQ Group Inc., providing innovative education strategies to corporations, non-profit, government agencies, universities and school districts who are committed to reducing the dropout rate and increasing college enrollment among underserved students. Magdaleno is also the Founder and Chairman of The Magdaleno Leadership Institute, a non-profit organization devoted to building high school student servant leaders. Magdaleno was appointed to serve on the U.S. Congressional Award National Board of Directors, who present Congress’s highest award for youth. He also serves on the Texas Advisory Council for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and serves on the National Advisory Board of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. In addition, to managing his own business and philanthropic work, Magdaleno serves as the caregiver of his elderly mother, Maria and in the process of adopting his older sister, Sylvia Magdaleno, who is gifted with down syndrome. Furthermore, Magdaleno is currently working with Reconciliation Outreach on creating a safe house for homeless college students, to be completed by spring 2018. Inspiration Award – Dr. Wiley Dobbs Dr. Wiley Dobbs is a native of Twin Falls, Idaho. He graduated from Twin Falls High School, participating in wrestling, judo, and baseball. In college he competed in the sport of judo and, in 1980, he was invited to the United States Olympic Center in Colorado Springs as an Olympic judo team hopeful. Wiley was a social studies and English teacher at Bear Lake High School, O’Leary Junior High and Twin Falls High School. He has coached wrestling, judo, volleyball, baseball and track. He was the head wrestling coach at Twin Falls High School from 1987-91. He is the former principal at Magic Valley Alternative High School (1990-92) and the former principal of O’Leary Junior High School in Twin Falls (1992-2000). In 1999, he received the Idaho Secondary Principal of the Year Award. In July of 2003, Wiley was hired to be the TFSD #411 Superintendent of Schools. Since that time, the TFSD #411 has passed 7 successful levies to the tune of $190 million, added four new schools and he was awarded the Idaho Superintendent of the Year Award in 2013 by the Association of School Administrators. In December of 1993, Wiley Dobbs was the principal at O’Leary Junior High School, a school of around 950 students, in Twin Falls, Idaho. A parent came to him and asked him if he would be interested in a program called “The Congressional Award.” Wiley told her he would look at it, and unenthusiastically threw it in his pile of programs to look at. The parent was Linda Norris, an aide to then-U.S. Representative Mike Crapo. As promised, he reviewed the information she gave him, and fell in love on the spot with The Congressional Award! What’s not to love? The Congressional Award is voluntary, individual, and non-competitive. Whether academically gifted or challenged; affluent or impoverished; physically fit or disabled; enthusiastic about school or bored - anyone ages 13½ to 24 can participate. The program is universal. Students do not win the award; they earn it. Most of all, he liked the idea that it accentuated the positive things that so many of the young people in our nation are doing. He was delighted to become involved in a program that recognizes the good things young people do. In 2009, after 16 years serving on the Board of Directors of Idaho’s Council, Dr. Wiley Dobbs was appointed to the national United States Congressional Award Foundation Board of Directors by U.S. Senate Minority Leader, Senator Mitch McConnell. For nearly a quarter of a century, Wiley has served as advisor to hundreds of students, and has recruited other educators in the school district to do the same. The Twin Falls School District has one of the highest percentages of involvement in the nation, and Idaho is a leading state. In addition, The Congressional Award is a family affair for Dr. Dobbs. All three of Wiley’s sons, Dylan, Austin, and Marcus, are involved in the Program. Marcus is in high school and currently working toward his Bronze Award. Austin earned his Silver Medal. Dylan earned his Gold Medal in 2012 and Dr. Dobbs had the pleasure to attend the annual Gold Congressional Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C.