WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) presented Shannon Wedel, of Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, with the Congressional Award Gold Medal. The medal is given in recognition of the work Shannon has done to better her community and the goals she has set for her own personal development. The Congressional Award is the highest honor bestowed upon America’s youth. To earn the Award, recipients must set and achieve goals in the four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Congressman Pallone recognized Shannon’s achievements at the 2014 Gold Medal Award Ceremony held in the U.S. Capitol.
“I’m pleased to present Shannon with this Congressional Gold Medal today, and I commend her for her extraordinary service to our community, especially all her work helping people recover from Superstorm Sandy” said Congressman Pallone. “She is an outstanding young adult, and I am confident that her proven abilities to set goals and achieve them will lead to a very bright future. I also hope that Shannon’s service will inspire others to find ways to give back to the community as well. I wish Shannon all the best and know we will see great things from her in the years to come.”
To earn her Congressional Award Gold Medal, Shannon completed over 400 hours of voluntary public service by assisting at a local food bank, working with the Family Promise program for the homeless, and helping businesses and families recover in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. To complete the physical fitness requirement, Shannon was an active member of her high school dance team, performing at football and basketball games. She also hiked Haleakala Mountain in Hawaii to fulfill the exploration component.
Established in 1979, the Congressional Award was created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative, and service in America’s youth. The Congressional Award is open to all young people ages 14 to 23.
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