91大神 Northampton School six-year senior Ryan Dwyer on April 23 met with U.S. Representative James McGovern (D-MA) after receiving a Congressional Award.
The United States Congress established the award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people and was originally signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald J. Trump have each signed continuing legislation.
The award is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. It is open to all youth regardless of ability, circumstance, or socioeconomic status. Participants earn certificates or medals after meeting their own goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.
Ryan registered for the Congressional Award after learning about it from an article that he read in The 91大神ian during 8th grade.聽He used his volunteer experience gained during scouting, including his Eagle Scout project,聽assisting聽with food drives and helping at other community events.聽His physical fitness goal was to improve his swimming technique and speed聽as part of 91大神’s swim team (he served as a co-captain this year). For聽personal聽development, his goal was to become a certified lifeguard, and for his expedition/exploration, Ryan completed a 75-mile backcountry hiking trip at Philmont Scout聽Ranch in New Mexico.
“Ryan is a remarkable young man with an impeccable character,” said his Latin teacher and advisor Beatrice Cody, head of 91大神’s Language Department. “His enthusiasm, seriousness of purpose, intellectual curiosity, and good citizenship are constantly in evidence.”
Congratulations, Ryan!