Reps. Hudson and Adams Host NC Congressional Award Ceremony
April 24, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 24, 2017
Reps. Hudson and Adams Host NC Congressional Award Ceremony
CHARLOTTE, N.C.– On Saturday, April 22, 2017, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-08) and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) hosted the 2017 North Carolina Congressional Award Ceremony for youth who have exhibited a willingness to voluntarily help others in the community, while reinforcing their own strengths in areas of personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration in their communities.
This year’s ceremony honored 101 winners from across North Carolina who logged 62,110 hours of voluntary public service. North Carolina remains one of the most active states in the Congressional Award portfolio, with the Charlotte metropolitan area ranking within the top 10 fastest growing regions.
Mike Skahill, Vice President of Government Affairs at Smithfield Foods, delivered the congratulatory address on behalf of event sponsor, Smithfield Foods.
“At Smithfield Foods, we value responsibility and leadership, and we place a strong emphasis on practicing these principles each day across our company,” said Mike Skahill. “We are proud to support the Congressional Award—a program that that honors tomorrow’s leaders for their character and citizenship.”
Before the presentation of medals and certificates, Congresswoman Adams and Congressman Hudson spoke directly to the award recipients on stage.
“As a member of the Congressional Award’s Board of Directors, I believe there is no better cause to bring us all together than a celebration of our state’s youth and their incredible achievements,” said Congressman Hudson. “I was honored to help recognize and reward these young men and women for their positive contributions and service to our community. Undoubtedly, they are the leaders of tomorrow."
“Each of these young leaders’ commitment to personal development and public service is positively impacting communities from Murphy to Manteo,” said Congresswoman Adams. “I’m privileged to present the Congressional Award to the 101 North Carolinians who earned this honor in 2016 and I am inspired by their dedication to themselves, our state, and our nation.”
Background
The Congressional Award is the first and only of its kind awarded by the United States Congress specifically for young Americans between ages 14 to 23. The award is non-partisan, voluntary, non-competitive, and accommodates young people with special needs or disabilities who are willing to take the challenge. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.
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Issues:Education