Ni Em Par (center) with Congressional Gold Medal Award representative (L) and Congressman Ryan Costello (R)
Washington, DC – This week, Ni Em Par formerly of West Chester, PA was awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Congressman Ryan Costello, who represents West Chester and the Sixth District of Pennsylvania, was on hand to present Ni Em Par with the prestigious award.
Earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal requires a significant commitment by the applicant. Each participant must spend two years or more completing at least 400 hours of community service, 200 hours of both personal development and physical fitness activities, and a four-night Expedition or Exploration. Pennsylvania led the states with Congressional Award Gold Medal awardees, with 15 students being honored at Wednesday’s ceremony.
Ni Em Par completed over 400 hours of community service by volunteering her time for the Migrant Education Program as a teaching assistant for the 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms on Saturdays and throughout their summer program. In addition to her service at the Pancway Center City School, Ni served as an interpreter at monthly health clinics.
For the Personal Development component, Ni completed after school technology training programs to learn Microsoft Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and Prezi to better prepare herself for college. She improved her physical fitness by training for the Philadelphia Rock n’ Roll ½ Marathon, the Philadelphia Broad Street Run and the Philadelphia Marathon. Finally, she completed the Expedition requirements by participating in a four night primitive camping expedition in the Pocono Mountains.
Congressman Costello presented the award at a ceremony held today in Washington, D.C. “It was an honor to attend today’s Congressional Award Gold Medal Ceremony and congratulate Ni Em Par on her achievements,” said Congressman Costello. “Her dedication to improving her community and bettering herself is to be commended. Thanks to her hard work, our local and regional community will benefit future students. I applaud her on this distinguished achievement.”
The Congressional Award is awarded annually to young Americans by the United States Congress. This non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive award is open to 14- to 23-year-olds and applicants must complete the requirements prior to their 24th birthday. Participants are eligible to earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals and qualify based on goal setting in four program areas; Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. For more information: http://congressionalaward.org
Congressman Ryan Costello represents portions of Berks, Chester, Lebanon and Montgomery Counties. Visit Costello.house.gov for more information.
