Barstow Seniors Earn Congressional Award Gold Medals
Barstow senior Kelly Knief was awarded The 2020 Congressional Award Gold Medal on Saturday, Sept. 26. This award is the highest honor that Congress awards civilian youth.
To be awarded this honor, students must accumulate over 800 hours of voluntary public service, personal development and physical fitness, in addition to planning and going on an in-depth exploration or expedition.
As part of her service, Kelly volunteered at a local nursing home assisting residents with their daily routines while spending time listening to their stories.
"The two-year process led me to find a new passion for volunteering, deepened my love for dance, and allowed me to gain independence by planning a trip to San Antonio and setting overall goals. Through volunteering, I received exposure to diverse groups, including residents at nursing homes, children aged 2-14 at a summer camp, customers at a thrift store and kittens at an animal shelter," she said. "These volunteer experiences broadened my views within the community while also allowing me to form new friendships. Collectively, the Congressional Gold Medal experiences taught me the value of patience, empathy, and helping without being asked, which are life skills that will benefit me in the future."
At a virtual awards ceremony, awardees heard from several key government officials including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and several other Senators and House Representatives. Other special guests included CNN reporter Wolf Blitzer and former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, both of whom gave words of encouragement and advice to the awardees.
In addition to Knief, seniors Mark Lopatofsy and Sean Wyckoff will receive the 2021 Congressional Award Gold Medal. Since 2015, 30 Barstow students have received this prestigious honor.
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As part of her service, Kelly volunteered at a local nursing home assisting residents with their daily routines while spending time listening to their stories.
"The two-year process led me to find a new passion for volunteering, deepened my love for dance, and allowed me to gain independence by planning a trip to San Antonio and setting overall goals. Through volunteering, I received exposure to diverse groups, including residents at nursing homes, children aged 2-14 at a summer camp, customers at a thrift store and kittens at an animal shelter," she said. "These volunteer experiences broadened my views within the community while also allowing me to form new friendships. Collectively, the Congressional Gold Medal experiences taught me the value of patience, empathy, and helping without being asked, which are life skills that will benefit me in the future."
At a virtual awards ceremony, awardees heard from several key government officials including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and several other Senators and House Representatives. Other special guests included CNN reporter Wolf Blitzer and former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, both of whom gave words of encouragement and advice to the awardees.
In addition to Knief, seniors Mark Lopatofsy and Sean Wyckoff will receive the 2021 Congressional Award Gold Medal. Since 2015, 30 Barstow students have received this prestigious honor.
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For physical fitness and volunteer service hours, Kelly Knief danced at a local retirement community.
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She was also a member of the Youth Volunteer Corps.
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