Sisters Allison and Katie Morrison as well as Powell High School alumni Rachel Kuntz have earned Congressional awards during the 2021-2022 school year.
The Congressional Award has existed since …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
The Powell Tribune has expanded its online content. To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, or purchase a subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free web account by clicking here.
If you already have a web account, but need to reset it, you can do so by clicking here.
If you would like to purchase a subscription click here.
Please log in to continue |
|
Sisters Allison and Katie Morrison as well as Powell High School alumni Rachel Kuntz have earned Congressional awards during the 2021-2022 school year.
The Congressional Award has existed since 1979, “to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people,” according to the Congressional Award website.
Allison, who will be a PHS senior, and Kuntz, who will be a junior at the University of Wyoming in the fall, were both awarded the gold medal.
Katie, a freshman at PHS and a newcomer to the program, has earned her bronze but plans to earn both her silver and gold medal next year.
“My sister is going off to college so I wanted to get them before she left,” Katie said.
Allison. who has been involved in the Congressional Award since 2003, said it has helped her network and further develop her passion for community service.
“Throughout my entire life serving community has meant something to me,” Allison said. “I’ve noticed as a habit when volunteer opportunities come up I take them and I think that’s because of Congressional Awards.”
Kuntz, who graduated from PHS in 2020, earned her gold medal.
“I think it’s actually a really good way to find yourself,” Kuntz said.
Kuntz is a nursing student with a minor in journalism. She began working toward her first Congressional Award medal in high school after listening to another former alumni and Congressional Award winner Sydney Horton speak to her class about the program.
In order to earn their medals, goals that deal with personal development, community service, physical fitness and an expedition must be met.
Participants are able to align their four goals with their career and life goals as well. All three girls have helped camp founder Joyce Ostrom with Dano Youth Camp or been a member and are sponsored for the Congressional Award by Ostrom.
“All three girls are very, very compassionate and considerate of everybody and everything,” Ostrom said. “They are willing to volunteer and help everyone in any way they can.”