Two Kennett sophomores receive Congressional youth award for public service
By P.J. D’Annunzio, Staff Writer, KennettTimes.com
From left to right: Salvador Anquiano, Mr. Manuel Ibarra-Gomez, and Silvestre Arroyo.
KENNETT SQUARE—The Kennett Consolidated School District announced this week that two Kennett High School tenth graders, Salvador Anquiano and Silvestre Arroyo, were among 40 Pennsylvania youth who have been honored by the United States Congress with Congressional Awards at a ceremony in Philadelphia.
The ceremony highlighted Congress’ highest honor for youth and recognized young Americans who have dedicated hundreds of hours of service in their communities.
There awards are tiered into three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – with each level building upon the previous level. Receiving their Bronze Medals, Anquiano and Arroyo dedicated 100 hours to community service by volunteering with the Kennett Rotary’s Adopt-a-Road project and serving as Kennett Run volunteers. Additionally, each devoted 50 hours to personal development and a further 50 hours to physical fitness, all within a seven month period.
District officials noted that by setting challenging, yet measurable goals, Anquiano and Arroyo were able to gain this prestigious honor. Both young men commented that “traveling to Philadelphia to receive the award was like a dream.”
“The Congressional Award Program establishes a sense of self-confidence, and helps to enhance problem-solving skills and the ability to work as part of a team,” said Mr. Manuel Ibarra-Gomez, a parent/student support specialist and recruiter, and the advisor who encouraged Anquiano and Arroyo to apply for the Congressional Award. “The program is well-balanced and encourages traits that are valued by employers and institutions of higher education … I am very proud of both young men.”
The Congressional Award Foundation is a public-private partnership created by Congress in 1979 to promote and recognize service, initiative, and achievement in America’s youth.
Former Senator Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming and the late Congressman James Howard of New Jersey sponsored the initial legislation creating the Congressional Award. The program is open to young people ages 14-23, regardless of mental or physical challenges. Participants follow guidelines established in the Congressional Award Act, Public Law 96-114. The Congressional Award Foundation teaches participants to set and achieve personally challenging goals that build character, foster community service, and personal development and citizenship.
The only other medal awarded by the United States Congress is the Medal of Honor.
