Samantha Bengtson/Gonzales Tribune
Gonzales student Andrew Funk (left) receives the Congressional Award from Congressman Jimmy Panetta for his achievement in the community.
GONZALES — Gonzales student Andrew Funk received the Congressional Award from Congressman Jimmy Panetta on April 2.
The Congressional Award is a public-private partnership that was created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative and service in America’s youth ages 14 to 23.
“The Congressional Award provides a unique opportunity for young people like Andrew to set and achieve personal challenging goals that build character and foster community service, personal development and citizenship,” Panetta said.
Participants in the Congressional Award set and achieve goals in four program areas, including voluntary public service, physical fitness, personal development and exploration.
“I found out about this Congressional Award from my dad,” Funk said. “It was brought up during a Boy Scout meeting because it’s honestly perfect for what we do. Boy Scouts has a lot of volunteering and personal development.”
Funk completed community service projects through the Boy Scouts and the City of Gonzales Youth Council and summer internship. In the personal development, he worked on his leadership skills through the Youth Council by planning activities and practicing his public speaking skills. His physical fitness was tested by playing such sports as cross country, track and field, basketball and baseball.
The final portion of the award, expedition or exploration, Funk planned a backpacking trip to Mount Pico Blanco in Big Sur.
“I believe this type of award does represent the best of America,” Panetta said. “People like Andrew only need to have committed to bettering themselves and to giving back to the community in which they reside.”
