Offutt youth honored with Congressional Awards Published May 13, 2009 By Ryan Hansen 55th Wing Public Affairs BELLEVUE, Neb. -- Nineteen local students were honored for their achievements with Congressional Awards during a ceremony May 8 at the Bellevue Public Schools Welcome Center. Congressman Lee Terry, Bellevue Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Jeff Rippe and 55th Wing Commander Col. John N.T. Shanahan all praised the winners for their dedication, initiative, leadership and service to their peers, schools and local community during the program. The Congressional Award, established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, gives young people the opportunity to set and achieve goals in four areas: volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration activities. "This program gives our youth the opportunity to show off their leadership skills and their commitment to community service," Congressman Terry said. "The recognition they're receiving today is our way of showing them that we recognize that they have elevated and separated themselves from their peers." Participants can earn awards in six different categories: bronze, silver and gold medals and bronze, silver and gold certificates. Each level is cumulative, carrying over to the next level. The minimum age to earn an award is 14 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. "The Congressional Award program is an excellent forum that provides a unique opportunity to recognize our exceptional young people for their outstanding achievements," Colonel Shanahan said. "These award winners personify our Air force corps values: integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do." Honored at this year's Congressional Award ceremony with medals were: Silver medal winner Matthew Armistead - Matthew is the 18-year-old son of MSgt. Darryl and Melissa Armistead. He's a senior at Bellevue West High School where he is active in the Congressional Award Club, Diversity Club, National Honor Society, Political Activism Club, track, and is an athletic trainer for the girls' basketball team. Matthew will attend Iowa Western Community College in the fall to study physical therapy. Bronze medal winner Angelina Arriaga - Angelina is the 18-year-old daughter of retired Tech. Sgt. David and the late Lillian Arriaga. She is a senior at Bellevue West High School where she is active in student council, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Congressional Award Club and is the managing editor of the school newspaper. Angelina will attend Creighton University in the fall on an academic scholarship to study biology. Silver medal winner Tonni Blount - Tonni is the 16-year-old daughter of Anthony and Claudette Blount. She is a junior at Bellevue West High School where she is active in the Congressional Award Club, Science Olympiads, National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, Academic Decathlon, Junior Senate and varsity soccer. Tonni is also involved in the Midlands Hospital Teen Volunteer Program. Bronze and silver medal winner LauRen Gaines - LauRen is the 17-year-old daughter of retired Master Sgt. Keith and Schernol Gaines. She is a senior at Bellevue West High School where she is active in the Congressional Award club, National Honor Society, track, cross-country and senior senate. Lauren will attend the University of Iowa on academic and diversity scholarships to study biology. Gold medal winner Colin Sorensen - Colin is the 18-year-old son of Tim and Julie Sorensen. He is a senior at Papillion-LaVista High School where he is active in National Honor Society, Forensics and his high school tennis team. He volunteers at the Nebraska Humane Society as well as the Make-a-Wish Foundation and takes private piano lessons. Colin will attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha on academic and business scholarships to study business economics and finance. Bronze medal winner Philip Wier - Philip is the 14-year-old son of Col. Dennis and Claudia Wier. Philip is an 8th grade student at JMJ Holy Family Homeschool. Philip enjoys playing football, basketball and tennis. He volunteers at a thrift shop by running the cash register, tagging donations and consignments. He has been taking guitar lessons and can play "Sweet Home Alabama." Bronze medal winner Lisa Zilli - Lisa is the 19-year-old daughter of Harry and retired Tech. Sgt. Marie Zilli. She is a freshman at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she is majoring in environmental studies with a minor in mathematics. She was recently inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and also plays intramural soccer. Bronze medal winner Tony Zilli - Tony is the 16-year-old son of Harry and retired Tech. Sgt. Marie Zilli. He is a junior at Bellevue West High School where he is active in the Congressional Award club and the varsity soccer team. Outside of school, Tony is involved as a staff member in the Civil Air Patrol. Honored this year with certificates were: Bronze certificate winner Jonathan Aumen - Jonathan is the 14-year-old son of Carl and Lois Aumen and has freshman credits through Mother of Divine Grace School. Bronze certificate winner Laura Aumen - Laura is the 16 year old daughter of Carl and Lois Aumen and has sophomore credits through Mother of Devine Grace School. Bronze, silver and gold certificate winner Matthew Aumen - Matthew is the 17-year-old son of Carl and Lois Aumen and has junior credits through Mother of Devine. Bronze and silver certificate winner Chris Armistead - Chris is the 16-year-old son of Master Sergeant Darryl and Melissa Armistead and is a sophomore at Bellevue West High School. Bronze certificate winner Madison Bendorf - Madison is the 16-year-old daughter of Meegan Bendorf and CJ Groetken and is a sophomore at Bellevue West High School. Bronze and silver certificate winner Nathan Feldmann - Nathan is the 16-year-old son of Roger and Ann Feldmann is a sophomore at Papillion La Vista South High School. Bronze and silver certificate winner Mara Hood - Mara is the 18-year daughter of Retired Master Sergeant Cornelius and Sonji Hood and is a senior at Bellevue West High School. Bronze certificate winner Josiah Hood - Josiah is the 16-year-old son of retired Master Sgt. Cornelius and Sonji Hood and is a sophomore at Bellevue West High School. Bronze certificate winner Mackenzie Irvine - Mackenzie is the 15-year-old daughter of Lori and Scott and is a sophomore at Bellevue West High School. Bronze and silver certificate winner Jessica Wright - Jessica is the 16-year-old daughter of Lt. Col. Jack and Jacki Wright and is a sophomore at Bellevue West High School.