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Sewickley Academy’s Ahmad ‘26 earns U.S. Congress’s highest honor for youth
Sewickley Academy Junior Eshal Ahmad recently earned The Congressional Award’s highest award, The Gold Medal.
Why it matters: The Congressional Award is a non-partisan, voluntary and non-competitive award designed to honor America’s youth for their personal commitment to setting goals, taking action, and meeting challenges.
- The Gold Medal is the award’s highest achievement in meeting the program requirements.
Context: The Congressional Award was established in 1979 by the United States Congress to recognize initiative, service and achievement in young people.
- The mission is to provide opportunities for young people to unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character development and fitness.
Details: The program is open to all youth in the United States between the ages of 14 and 24.
- Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals.
- Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration.
The big picture: Ahmad was also recently recognized as a 2025 Carson Scholar, honoring her high academic achievement and commitment to community service.
- Carson Scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship, a medal and a certificate.
- The 2025 Annual Pittsburgh Awards Banquet will take place this weekend, April 6, at Acrisure Stadium, where Ahmad will be honored alongside other regional recipients.
What’s next: Gold medalists will be honored at the 2025 Gold Medal Summit in Washington, D.C., June 11 through 13.
- The three-day experience includes a welcome reception, congressional meetings, engaging workshops and panels, a Washington Nationals baseball game and on-field experience, and time to explore the nation’s capital.
