Student wins elite award

Trine student receives national Congressional Award Gold Medal

Trine University’s Gabriel Lee, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Hudson, Mich., was one of 245 young people from across the country who received Congress’ highest award for youth - the Congressional Award Gold Medal - at a ceremony on Capitol Hill this summer.

The event, which took place in the Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building, honors youth for their initiative, achievement and community service.

The Joint Leadership of Congress presided over the ceremony, joining keynote speakers Steve Culbertson, president and chief executive officer of Youth Service America and Stan Soloway, president of the Professional Services Council and board member of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Scott Thuman and Cynné Simpson of ABC Channel 7/WJLA-TV served as the masters of ceremonies.

The Congressional Award is non-competitive and open to all young Americans regardless of their personal situation or background. The program was created byCongress to provide a unique opportunity for young people ages 14-23 to set and achieve personally challenging goals that build character and foster community service, personal development and citizenship. This year’s Gold Medalists contributed more than 325,000 hours of service to their communities.

Throughout the year, Congressional Award Medalists are honored at local ceremonies presided over by members of Congress at the district and state levels. Since its inception in 1979, the Congressional Award has recognized thousands of young Americans committed to serving their country and improving themselves, representing over 3.5 million hours of public service.

 Established under Public Law 96-114 as a public-private partnership, the Congressional Award Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization that does not receive anyfederal funding. All operating funds are donated by the private sector. The foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors, appointed by the congressional leadership.

In order to earn the Congressional Award Gold Medal, each individual must complete a minimum of 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development activities, 200 hours of physical fitness, and four consecutive days and nights of an e xploration or expedition. Any young person between the ages of 14-23 may register forthe program by calling
(888) 80-AWARD or online at www.congressionalaward.org.

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.