Anderson receives congressional medal

FaithHoney Anderson of Devils Tower was one of 478 youth across the nation to receive the Congressional Award Gold Medal in 2020. To earn this award, she completed over 400 volunteer public service hours, over 200 hours for personal development, over 200 hours of physical fitness and planned a five-day expedition.

Wyoming had 92 youth earn bronze, silver or gold medals with 38 gold medalists. These youth represented more than 19 communities across the state.

The Congressional Award was established in 1979 to “recognize initiative, service and achievement in young people.” It is non-partisan, voluntary and non-competitive program open to all youth regardless of ability, circumstance, or socioeconomic status. 

This is the only award presented in the name of the United States Congress except for the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Anderson said, “Earning my Gold Congressional Award has been one of the most fulfilling accomplishments of my life.”

Part of her voluntary public service included setting up events in different locations to help senior citizens with technology questions. For the exploration, she planned a five-day trip traveling throughout the state to experience new places including a hike up Lankin Dome.

The Congressional Award operates as a private-public partnership and receives all funding from the private sector. The only requirements are to be age 14-24 and a willingness to commit to the four program components of voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration. Advisors in Crook County are available to assist youth in goal planning.

More information about the program is available at the Wyoming Congressional Award site: http://www.wcac.us.