The following Congressional Award Gold Medallists have volunteered to share their ideas and stories with you!

Jehan Carter, Washington, DC
Jehan, 19, tutored underprivileged youth, and assisted in after school activities at The Boys and Girls Club of Charlottesville, VA. At the same time, Jehan volunteered her service to the office of African-American Affairs at the University of Virginia. For personal development, Jehan became a member of her school mock trial team. As a member of the team, she had the task of memorizing a 9-page affidavit so she could effectively play the role of a witness. To perform with the Mahogany Dance Troupe for several University of Virginia activities, Jehan had to learn and execute a triple pirouette, a coup de grande and the shuffle. Jehan had the opportunity to travel around Italy, France and Spain to meet the expedition requirement. Of the experience Jehan said, "My foreign language skills were challenged because classroom language and local study of a language did not sound quite like what was actually spoken in these countries."

Veasna Ros, Pennsylvania
Veasna, 18, involved himself in activities that would better the cultural community around him. To do this, he tutored his peers in the Migrant Education Program and helped set up events with Asian Americans United. For personal development, Veasna joined a film club, where he was able to learn first hand about movie production. In the area of physical fitness, Veasna attended martial arts classes with the ultimate goal to earn a blue belt. Veasna earned his blue belt, while also spending time learning about the game of volleyball. The expedition portion of Veasna's Award exposed him to the adventures of camping and the beauty of the Catskill Mountains. Of the overall Congressional Award experience Veasna said, "I found that it is much more fun and fulfilling to be on the giving side of the spectrum, rather than the taking."

Pierre Azzi, Florida
Pierre, 22, recognizes the overwhelming sense of accomplishment that the Congressional Award brings, but feels that "the far greater benefit comes from the knowledge that you've been able to serve your community and make life a little better for others". Based on this motivation, Pierre provided free bankruptcy legal advice to local, indigent members of the Boston metropolitan area and volunteered his services at a Cambridge shelter for the homeless. As an intern for Children's Legal Services, Pierre provided free legal representation for youth troubled with mental health problems, emotional imbalances, and drug addiction. Pierre also developed an intensive strength training and cardiovascular exercise program, designed to target specific muscle groups and increase both speed and endurance. During his 5-day camping expedition at John D. Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Pierre explored the marine life of Key Largo, FL.

David Ellison, Virginia
David, 22, volunteered as a youth leader with the Venturing Program of the Boy Scouts of America, while also teaching reading skills, cleaning up his community, constructing houses for the less fortunate, among other things. As a personal goal, David learned to speak and write Portuguese fluently. Of these experiences, David said, "Simply teaching a few English or Portuguese lessons or helping to build a house for a poor family really changed the course of other people's lives." For physical fitness, David focused on his cardiovascular health. He developed a workout routine that included walking, hiking and running. As an expedition, David spent two years living in Brazil. During those two years, David did everything from building houses to teaching accounting and career development skills.

Erin Barker, Missouri
Erin, 17, volunteered as a unit leader at a Girl Scout Day Camp, where she planned meals and crafts. In addition, she coached a fifth grade soccer team and taught basketball at local camps. Erin worked extremely hard to develop her basketball skills for personal development. She became a stronger runner and lifted weights to improve her physical fitness. Along with a group called People to People, Erin explored the cultures of Australia and New Zealand. "We visited an Australian tribe and learned about their rich culture and legends," she said. She toured the Sydney Opera House, took a cruise through Sydney Harbor, and four-wheeled around a dormant volcano while "down under."

Vicente Samaniego, California
Vicente, 24,volunteered at Lakewood Regional Medical Center and Queen of the Valley Hospital. "I had several tasks ranging from assisting physicians with vital signs to helping families find their loved ones," he said. For personal development, Vicente challenged himself by earning his Bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration while maintaining a full-time job. He vigorously trained for six months to finish the Los Angeles Marathon in under three hours. For exploration, Vicente was a group leader at a weeklong camp for mentally and physically disabled children.

Courtney McCracken, Texas
Courtney, 17, volunteered at the local child development center, as well as the local youth center, community center and family support center. "I have gained experience in many fields…with people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds," said Courtney. Through her work at the child development center, Courtney was able to learn more about how to interact and support children of all ages. In the area of physical fitness, Courtney focused on her skills as a swimmer. Through weekly practices and meets, Courtney was able to improve not only her skills, but her endurance also. After much preparation and training, Courtney was able to prepare and execute a 5-day dog sledding camping trip. On this trip, Courtney was responsible for both the dogs and her own well-being.

Theresa Zobel, California
Theresa, 17, actively participated in a wide array of public service projects designed to beautify her local community as well as create awareness and solicit support for several worthy causes, including the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Theresa learned how to make Creative Memories scrapbooks as her Personal Development goal, and in order to maintain her cardiovascular health, Theresa became a member of the Capital Crew Novice Woman's Rowing team. For her expedition, Theresa coordinated a two-week excursion to the island of Moorea in French Polynesia where she explored the tropical landscapes. Theresa acknowledges the overwhelming sense of accomplishment that distinguishes The Congressional Award as truly unique, admitting, "I have been able to gain further knowledge of both myself and my position in life."

Katie Rudoff, Wyoming
Katie, 18, volunteered as a swim coach with the Special Olympics and with an eighth grade girls basketball as an assistant coach. She also served on the Parks and Recreation Board for Green River, and was a member of the Mayor's Youth Council. Through research and prop design for a "History Day" program, Katie competed at a national level to meet her personal development goal. Her physical fitness goals were reached with her participation in basketball, swimming, and track. Katie took a five-day camping trip to the Wind River Mountain Range as her expedition. "Keeping our food and gear light and carryable was the biggest challenge," she said.

Matthew Parsons, Wyoming
Matthew, 17, volunteered at the Weston County Library and the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce. When Matthew first started The Congressional Award he volunteered walking dogs at the local humane society. "If I had not bent down to clip the leash on that dog's collar three years ago in January, I would not be the person that I am today. Someone who knows people in and throughout my community…" To get a taste of college life, Matthew enrolled in college courses at the Summer High School Institute at the University of Wyoming. As a member of his track and cross-country teams, Matthew did not stop training when the seasons ended. He continued to stay in shape during the off-season in order to reach his goal of lowering his times for the mile and the 800-meter. For his expedition, Matthew worked to clear the brush and debris left blocking a drainage ditch after the Jasper forest fire.

back to top