Switzerland Co. student earns Congressional Award Gold Medal

(VEVAY, Ind.) - Switzerland County junior Paige Earls has earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal – the highest honor Congress bestows on youth civilians. 

The Congressional Award Gold Medal recognizes young people who complete a minimum of two years of goal-setting and achievement in four categories: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and a self-directed expedition or exploration.

Earls completed 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness and her own 5-day expedition. 

“I dedicated hundreds of hours to volunteer work, leading mini cheer camps and youth soccer clinics that taught fundamentals, sportsmanship, and leadership,” Earls said . 

Earls also participated in a 5-day exploration where she visited the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and West Point, plus stops in New York City. 

“We planned objectives, prepared gear and safety protocols, kept daily journals, and produced a final report summarizing learning outcomes and leadership roles,” she recalled. 

Earls added, “The process taught accountability, resilience, and service outcomes that the Gold Medal recognizes.”

The Congressional Award was established in 1979  to honor, encourage, and inspire America’s youth. Students must be 13-23 years old to participate in the challenge.