CONTACT: Timothy Svoboda, (202) 225-2476

(Thiensville, Wis.) – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today returned to his alma mater, Homestead High School, to present the Congressional Award Medal to current student Zidao Wang. The Congressional Award Medal is earned by, on average, just 38 Wisconsinites each year.

“The Congressional Award Medal is not given, but earned by young people around the country who have achieved personally challenging goals that build character and foster community service, personal development and citizenship.”

“Zidao has shown tremendous leadership and initiative on his path to earning this award. He is truly one of Wisconsin’s best and I hope he will inspire his peers to help the local community and strive for similar goals of personal development.”

Background

Congressional Award recipients represent the best of America. They do not necessarily have the highest grades or the greatest athletic or scientific achievements, they need to commit to bettering themselves and giving back to the communities in which they reside. It is making and fulfilling that commitment that makes these young people so extraordinary.

To achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold Congressional Award Medal, each participant sets and achieves challenging goals in four areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.

In earning his award, Zidao served his community by volunteering at the Milwaukee branch of COA Youth and Family Centers and by hosting events to educate individuals about Chinese culture and history. For personal development, he improved his public speaking skills by participating in the Homestead debate team, attending debate camp at Michigan State University and practicing at home. For physical fitness, he joined the Homestead swim team and sought to decrease his race times in the 50m, 100m and 500m freestyle. Finally, for his expedition, Zidao planned a group trip to Peninsula State Park, where he led a group of tourists hiking and camping for three days.

Congress, in a bipartisan effort, established the Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, achievement and service in young people ages 14-23.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email