Local youth honored with Congressional Awards

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Twenty-five local students were honored for their achievements with Congressional Awards during a ceremony May 17 at the Bellevue Public Schools Welcome Center in Bellevue.

Rep. Lee Terry and 55th Wing commander Brig. Gen. Donald J. Bacon praised the winners for their dedication, initiative, leadership and service to their peers, schools and local community during the program.

"We are very comforted and enthusiastic about this nation's future," Representative Terry said. "You are our emerging leaders; you have proved it here today."

The Congressional Award, established in 1979, gives young people the opportunity to set and achieve goals in four areas: volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration activities.

"What great ingredients for a successful life," said General Bacon. "Focus on those four areas throughout life."

Participants can earn awards at six different levels: bronze, silver and gold medals and bronze, silver and gold certificates. Each level is cumulative, carrying over to the next level. Candidates as young as 14 years old may win awards and goals must be accomplished before the participants' 24th birthday. Participants work with an adult advisor to set individual goals and plan activities to reach those goals to earn an award.

"One of the most important things that I have learned is that passion goes beyond self," said gold medal recipient Stephanie Dinogan. "The Congressional Award has helped me grow into a stronger more passionate individual."

One objective of the Congressional Award program is to teach young participants that communities can benefit from their service and their service to the community opens up opportunities for them. It develops and reinforces democratic values and ideals on a personal level.

"The Congressional Award program has opened the door for us to experience numerous opportunities," said gold medal recipient Ashley Eisert. "Over the past few years I have experienced moments I will treasure for a lifetime."

It is important to note these young people are not alone as they work to achieve their goals. Parents, teachers, club leaders and other adult volunteers provide support, guidance and encouragement along the way.

"I appreciate what I was able to accomplish in this program and hope to apply those lessons to my daily life," said gold medal recipient Philip Wier. "I will pass this knowledge on to younger generations, empowering them to go above and beyond seeing the good within themselves and the different ways they can serve their community."

Honored at this year's Congressional Award ceremony with medals were:

Gold Medal
Sarah Dinogan
Ashley Eisert
Philip Wier

Silver and Bronze Medal
Josiah Hood

Silver Medal
Samantha Lunde
Jacob Terneus
Jessica Wright
John Aumen
Madison Bendorf
Nathan Feldmann

Bronze Medal
Brianna Eisert
Abby Smith
Alysa Dail
Mackenzie Irvine
Amanda Jurek
Rebecca Sis
Katelyn Sorensen
Robin Varney

Gold Certificate
Jared Beyersdorf
Sarah Jurek

Silver Certificate
Sarah Bethel

Bronze Certificate
Adam Britten
Ryan Britten
Loriana Harkey
Agnes Query