September 24, 2022 (Little Rock, AR) – The Congressional Award Foundation (CAF) celebrated the accomplishments of 38 4-H youth for community service and personal development at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. The ceremony was attended by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Congressman French Hill, former Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater and others.The event served as the official launch of the Congressional Award Global Sustainability program, created in partnership with Bayer, to empower the next generation of leaders to act on pressing sustainability issues such as food insecurity.
“I am proud to recognize the recipients of this years’ Congressional Award, the highest award bestowed on young Americans through the House and Senate,” Congressman French Hill said. “This year, 38 outstanding Arkansans were honored for their initiative, achievements, and devotion to public service. These young leaders will continue to make a lasting impact in their communities for years to come. I thank the partnership with Arkansas 4-H for giving these students an opportunity to get involved.”
“The Congressional Award’s Global Sustainability Program brings together leaders from the private and public sectors to increase awareness of critical issues like food insecurity and provide hands-on voluntary public service projects so students can make a difference,” said Mike Parrish, the Head of Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability at Bayer U.S.
During the ceremony, retired Arkansas 4-H leader Dr. Martha Ray Sartor was presented with the 2022 Inspiration Award, which recognizes exceptional Congressional Award advisors for their outstanding commitment to youth mentorship. The Congressional Award and Arkansas 4-H partnered in 2018 to encourage youth to set personal goals, collaborate on activities, and provide meaningful service and leadership opportunities that impact their communities.
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.
See full medalist listing below.
Certificate Earners:
Bronze:
Chaise Schillinger*
Annie Xu
Silver:
Anumi Wickramasinghe
Gold:
JoAnna Saunders*
Bronze Medalists:
Daniella Ayala
Sawyer Beggs
Sydney Blackman
Miah Bone
Laura Davis
Robert Hagberg
Clifton Hemphill
Ambria Holler
Madison Ireland
Ocean Jaeger
Ethan Keller
Caitlyn King
Julian Kresse
Peyton Macejewski
Lilith Machupa
Grace McCraney
Elizabeth Ricker
Opal Samons*
Lily Shuffield
Robert Stodola
Silver Medalists:
Katelyn Macejewski
Gold Medalists:
Sarah Douglas
Ellis Freel
Faith Fritch
Keylee Harris
Magon James
Daniel Latus
Anish Leekkala*
Madison Mitchell
Etana Jamee Morse*
Janna Morse
Joshua Stettmeier
Elsa Timbs
Tiffany Zhan*
*STEM Star Recipient