Recently, Congressman John Rutherford presented the Gold and Silver Congressional Award Medals to Lauren Eavenson from St. Augustine. The program is open to young persons between the ages of 14 and 24. Eavenson partnered with Janet Koehler, a local GTM volunteer and retired 4-H Club leader to track and record her personal initiatives and commitment to her community.
“Lauren’s dedication to achieving goals and serving her community make her an exceptional student and admirable young person,” Rutherford said. “As she heads off to college, I know her experience in the Congressional Award program positions her to achieve even greater successes, and I look forward to following her future accomplishments.”
Established in 1979, the Congressional Award is the highest honor Congress bestows upon a youth civilian. In order to receive the award, these young Americans must demonstrate a commitment to voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and exploration.
Eavenson helped raise awareness about local environmental issues and donated research toward conservation efforts surrounding them for her Voluntary Public Service. Eavenson worked with the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve and the St. Johns County 4-H Marine Science Club on research projects, and she organized public outreach programs.
For her personal development, Eavenson became a certified catechist in her diocese and taught as a head catechist in an advanced religious education class. She prepared for this role by attending lectures, serving as an assistant catechist and volunteering as a sacramental preparation peer minister.
In her pursuit of her initial physical fitness goals, Eavenson began swimming year-round and participated in strength building classes. Unable to continue swimming because of health reasons, Eavenson began physical therapy and Pilates classes to improve balance and joint control.
Finally, for her expedition, Eavenson planned a five-day, four-night canoe camping trip for her and her father on the Suwanee River.
Earlier this summer, Eavenson traveled to Washington, D.C., to accept the Gold Medal from Congressman Rutherford in a national ceremony with Gold Medalists from around the country. Now, she is headed to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. For information about the program, visitwww.congressionalaward.org.
