Signed into law in 1979, the Congressional Award is designed to promote and recognize initiative, achievement, and excellence among youth. The Award is open to all young people between 14 and 23 who set and achieve goals in four areas: public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration. They must set challenging goals for the betterment of themselves and their communities, regardless of physical, mental or socioeconomic circumstances.

Christopher Alford, 26, of Park City, KY, served as a Boy Scout Scoutmaster. For personal development, he enhanced his skills in artwork, using these skills to design logos for nonprofits. For physical fitness, Christopher improved his golf techniques by strengthening his arms and body. His expedition was a six-day, five-night backpacking trip. He said of his experiences in the Congressional Award program, "The most important thing I learned was, with dedication and a little hard work, you will succeed at all things you undertake."

Scott Burright, 20, of Grinnell, IA, completed more than 600 hours of service while working for his Gold Award. He was a staff member at a Boy Scout Camp. Scott also played a critical leadership role with Habitat for Humanity in Grinnell. To satisfy the personal development component of the Award, he held a part-time job while attending college full-time. For physical fitness, he set and achieved goals on his way to earning his letters in track and cross country. He went to Downe, England for the expedition. Scott said of his experiences in earning this most prestigious Award, "By giving of myself, I have learned how to help others have a better life that is very gratifying to all. By participating in the program, I have grown immensely psychologically, physically and emotionally. I've learned that the positives in life are far more powerful in life than the negatives in people."

Paul Ellison, 23, of Springfield, VA, served underprivileged individuals and families in his community. He organized and participated in projects that included helping with yard work, house maintenance and teaching children with learning disabilities. He devoted himself to his religious teachings for personal development. His physical fitness goal was to design a fitness regime that would improve his overall health. He went on an expedition on the Mormon Trail where he learned more about his ancestors and his religion. "With such a large country I believe that opportunities to help others abound. This is what I learned while earning the Congressional Award-that the need is great," said Paul.

Christopher Kruse, 17, of Platte City, MO is a past recipient of both Bronze and Silver Congressional Awards. He volunteered at the Heritage Village Senior Citizen Home. He also assisted the disabled in his community where his responsibilities included facilitating dances, art projects and field trips. For personal development, Christopher learned to play all of the scales on a trumpet and played a solo at a district competition. For physical fitness, he challenged himself to improve his weight lifting ability and improve his endurance for roller blading. For his expedition, he backpacked for five days and four nights in state parks. "I have realized the importance of goals, planning how to carry out goals and what it takes to achieve the goals that I have set," he said.

Amanda McGee, 23, of Oregon City, is an assistant Scout Master. She performed very specialized public service. She volunteered as a living historian. By serving at Civil War reenactments, she helped the public gain a better understanding of Civil War period clothing. For personal development, Amanda improved her understanding of the construction of Civil War period clothing. Her physical fitness goal involved a walking program and workouts at the gym. She planned and executed a seven-night expedition for 12 people aboard a boat.

In order to earn the prestigious Gold Congressional Award, each young person must complete a minimum of 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness and 5-day, 4-night camping expedition

The Congressional Award is a nonpartisan partnership between Congress and the private sector. Appointed by the Joint Leadership of Congress, a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of private sector individuals and members of Congress implements the program at the national level. The Congressional Award was established in 1979 by Public Law 96-114, The Congressional Award Act. More than 6,500 Congressional Awards have been earned, representing well over 1.5 million volunteer hours performed in community service across America.