Youths receive Congressional Award
<p>Mason Magee, left, of Coeur d'Alene, and Samuel Cuentas, right of Post Falls, stand with Congressional Award program manager Mark Stevens after they were awarded silver Congressional Award medals in a ceremony Aug. 11 in the Idaho State Capitol.</p>
BOISE - Sen. Mike Crapo, Sen. Jim Risch and Congressman Raul Labrador joined state and community leaders in honoring 30 recipients of the Congressional Award in Boise on Aug. 11.
This event highlighted Congress's highest honor for youth and recognized individuals who have dedicated hundreds of hours of service in their communities. The state treasurer was also in attendance to recognize this year's medalists.
Jason Sears, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Idaho, delivered the keynote address, which highlighted the importance of incorporating service into all aspects of life, including business. No stranger to serving others, Sears' career has demonstrated his commitment to community engagement. Sears previously served as a communications and technology volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in Namibia and held director level positions at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ada County.
This year's title sponsor for the event was Idaho's own Micron Technology, Inc. Micron, which employs thousands of Idahoans, has been a supporter of the Congressional Award for many years. Mike Reynoldson, who spoke on behalf of Micron, applauded the company's support of Congress' only charity which to date has recognized more than 780 of Idaho's youth for more than 250,000 hours of service.
Throughout the year, Congressional Award Medalists are honored at local ceremonies and medal presentations by members of Congress at the district and state levels, as well as at a national ceremony held each June in Washington, D.C. Since its inception in 1979, the Congressional Award has recognized thousands of young Americans committed to serving their country and improving themselves, representing more than 3.5 million hours of public service.
For information including a full list of medalists, contact Mark Stevans at 202-226-0130 or visit the Congressional Award website at www.congressionalaward.org.