2023 Maryland Statewide Ceremony Celebrates Young Achievers and Mental Health Advocacy in Partnership with Otsuka

(COLLEGE PARK, June 5, 2023) – The Congressional Award, in partnership with Otsuka‘s mental health initiative, celebrated the accomplishments of 110 exceptional young Marylanders at the 2023 Maryland Statewide Ceremony. The event, held at the University of Maryland, honored these individuals who have earned Congressional Award certificates or medals since January 2020.

Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) and Congressman David Trone (MD-06) were present at the ceremony to congratulate the awardees and present them with their well-deserved medals and certificates. Congressman Ivey remarked, “It’s truly inspiring to witness the dedication and achievements of these outstanding young individuals. They represent the future of Maryland, and I am proud to celebrate their accomplishments.”

Echoing his sentiments, Congressman Trone stated, “The Congressional Award program empowers young people to set ambitious goals and make a positive impact in their communities. These awardees have shown exceptional commitment and determination, and I am honored to recognize their hard work and dedication.”

Otsuka’s mental health initiative, a key focus of their partnership with the Congressional Award, highlights the importance of mental well-being and supports the development of future leaders who champion mental health awareness. Through this partnership, Otsuka demonstrates their commitment to empowering young individuals to address the mental health challenges of our society.

The University of Maryland served as an ideal venue for the ceremony, symbolizing its dedication to education, innovation, and fostering the growth of young leaders.

The 2023 Maryland Statewide Ceremony showcased the extraordinary accomplishments of the awardees, inspiring others to aim high and make a difference. Their achievements reflect the power of resilience, dedication, and community service.

The 2023 Maryland Statewide Ceremony takes place at the Brendan Iribe Center on June 3, 2023. Youth from across Maryland were recognized for their achievements and dedication to voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration activities. (Riley Sims Photography)

About The Congressional Award Foundation

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ only charity and the highest honor bestowed upon a youth civilian through the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Established by Congress as a public-private partnership in 1979 under Public Law 96-114, the program recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in youth ages 13 ½ – 23. To learn more about The Congressional Award please visit www.congressionalward.org.

Click here to view and download all event photos.

Bronze:
Alexander Butler
Isabel Clark
Jonathan Curtis
Paige Garczynski
David Ingram
Kai Koblentz*
Yi-Sa Li
Boyan Tiwang
James Yang*

Silver:
Jordan Brady
Ian Campbell
Ellis Chung
Zander Hine*
Evan Jones
Grace Magny-Fokam
Julia Mamo
Rennie Pearson*
Rithwik Reddy

Gold:
Divya Bhat
Natalie Brady
Ishaan Busireddy*

Alyssa Afari*
Anna Armoza
Julia Battaile
Emily Bertran
Jason Boggis
Gabriele Braman
Diamond Burnett
Mariah Carmody
Grant Clifford
Lily Crooks
Michael Dennis*
Hailey Doxzen
Melanie Duong*
Petra Farkas
Leah Feld
Jude Foster
Emilie Garrabrant
Jacob Griffin
Margaret (Rhett) Hacker
David Hamman
Jessica Hoang
Dylan Kahouk
Jared McLean
Eric Merchant
Devin Middeke
Nikhita Pabbaraju
Kristen Proffitt*
Nathan Quinn
Anthony Ricci
Myles Robinson
Scott Samuels*
Steven Samuels*
Josiah Simpich
Marlena Slaw Kiewe
Jacob Stanton
Marisa Switzman
Francesca TerBush
Duncan Tilles
Joshua Wang
Ruby Wilson-Olivo
Victor Yin*

 

Andrew Bian
Eric Chen
Aditi Gubba*
Dominic Leo
Nathan Li*
Corinne Post
Emilia TerBush
Joshua Wolfson
Cecelia Yost

 

Anna Altman
Nicholas Biabani
Evan Bian
Lexie Brinkley
Amber Briscoe
Cedric Chen*
Alexander Cho*
Anning Cui
Cody Dorsey
Eva Marie Farroha
Uriah Fluker
Joshua Kade Friedlander
Dilan Gangopadhyay
Louis Gasper
Elizabeth Gerstman
Sophia Gerstman*
Elena Grant
Ava Herring
Caroline Herring
Julianne Herring
Benjamin Lee
Stone Li*
Yi-Nuo Li*
Christopher Libby
Grace Libby
Josef Marschall*
Daniel Mathew*
Nadine Meister
Simoni Mishra
Dhruv Pai
Olivia Rice
Emma Scielzo
Piya Scielzo*
Jinghan “Vicky” Shan
Joseph Stocker
Stella Szostak
Miriam Talalay
Byron Wu*
Chen-Chen Ye