The Congressional Award gold medal stands as the highest civilian honor that Congress bestows on young Americans. And this year, it was awarded to 35 students in Irvine, more than any other city in America.
What does it take to earn one? Consider this: Irvine High School senior Jeremy Shabilion put in over 400 hours of volunteer service, served over 200 hours as a leader of various programs, engaged in over 200 hours of physical training and undertook a five-day expedition to the top of the 12,441-foot Baldy Mountain in New Mexico.
“I want to inspire people,” says the Eagle Scout, who wants to own his own game-development studio in Irvine someday. “I consider inspiration to be the most valuable thing you can give to another person because, with it, you can accomplish more than you ever could in isolation.”
The Congressional Award program, established in 1979, asks teens to set goals for themselves in public service, personal development, physical fitness and exploration. No academic excellence or athletic prowess is necessary.
“The key principles that tie these achievements together are self-actualization and communication, both of which are essential for leadership,” says Shabilion, who will attend the University of Utah this fall. “Now that I’ve honed these skills, I feel prepared to take charge of my own life, lead others and serve my community.”
Participants have until their 24th birthday to finish, though most Irvine youths finish before graduating from high school.
“The key principles that tie these achievements together are self-actualization and communication, both of which are essential for leadership.”
Irvine High senior Jeremy Shabilion
Past Irvine winners include Anusha Ghildyal, who delivered meals to an orphanage in India and launched a nonprofit that created care packages for hospitalized children. This year, her younger sister, Woodbridge High student Aarushi Ghildyal, earned the gold medal after tutoring underprivileged students, helping homeless students and writing a book that teaches children the ancient language of Sanskrit.
“Earning the Congressional Award has given me a sense of pride and achievement, reminding me that with perseverance and effort, I can reach my goals and contribute positively to society,” Ghildyal says.
