Local Student Wins Congressional Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teresa Taylor of Newtown has been honored with a Congressional Award Gold Medal. Teresa was presented with Congress’ highest honor for youth service at a ceremony in Washington on Wednesday, June 21.

Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (R-5th) presented the Congressional Award Gold Medal to Teresa in honor of her volunteerism and leadership in the community.

“Teresa has shown what you can accomplish through hard work and dedication to your community,” said Mrs Johnson. “She is an example for her peers. I congratulate Teresa and her parents for winning the Congressional Award Gold Medal and I wish her the very best in all her future endeavors.”

Members of Congress, including Senate and House Leadership, were scheduled to present Teresa — along with 241 other young awardees — with Gold Medals in ceremonies taking place on Capitol Hill. Marguerite Sallee, CEO and president of America’s Promise; Marlene Mazyck, the director of AmeriCorps; and former Senator Malcolm Wallop (Wyoming), were to be on hand to congratulate the attendees.

In earning her Congressional Award Gold Medal, Teresa completed 450 hours of voluntary public service in her community and state by volunteering as a youth counselor for children at the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, and facilitating charity events in Peer Leadership.

For Personal Development, Teresa appeared with her school’s select choir at Carnegie Hall and tours of Austria and Italy. Teresa’s Physical Fitness goal was to pursue rowing and set a goal to improve her individual time for the 2K sprints.

For her Expedition, Teresa planned and executed a seven-day hiking, kayaking, and sailing trip on the Maine Island Trail and remote sections of the Appalachian Trail in Maine.

In working toward their medals, the 242 honorees contributed more than 130,000 hours of public service within their local communities. The Congressional Award Foundation encourages participants to be well-rounded by setting goals in personal development, physical fitness, and cultural exploration. Through the award, Congress continues to honor and encourage volunteer public service and recognize the unsung accomplishments of young Americans throughout the United States.

“This is an opportunity to recognize initiative, achievement and service in America’s youth,” said House Speaker Dennis Hastert. “It’s important to reward young people for making positive choices and this award reinforces the values that set the foundation for a new generation of young leaders.”