“I was pleased to award Shan the Congressional Award Gold Medal in Washington, D.C. today, ” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Shan should be proud of the work that she has done in Dallas and in surrounding communities. She has dedicated endless time and service to her community, but also saw the need to serve abroad in China. In China, Shan taught English classes and shadowed health care professionals. Shan’s commitment to service is what this award is all about.”
“Among the many project that she has taken on, Shan notes that she is ‘most proud of Artists for Sandy, a project [she] initiated in which [she] compiled and sold CDs, raising $390 for Hurricane Sandy Victims by donating to the American Red Cross.’ It is the initiative and willingness to serve others that sets her apart from many. I look forward to seeing the results of Shan’s service in our community and know that she positively influenced those among her to become more involved.”
The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for the youngest Americans. The program is open to 14-23 year olds across the Nation. Participants may earn the Bronze, Silver or Gold Medals by achieving personal goals. Since the awards’ inception in 1979, more than 49,000 people have earned Congressional Award Medals and have completed more than 3.5 million volunteer hours.
To earn the Gold Medal Award, students must spend two or more years completing 400 hours of public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness and 5 days and 4 nights of exploration.
