Last week, The Congressional Award recognized 877 young Americans as part of the 2026 Gold Medal Class, honoring their extraordinary commitment to voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition or exploration.
Sleepy Hollow student Skylar Holliday was recognized as part of the 2026 class and also earned The Congressional Award STEM Star designation, which recognizes Medalists who completed Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math-related activities as part of their Congressional Award journey.
From June 8–10, these medalists traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 2026 Gold Medal Summit, where they received their medals from members of The Congressional Award Foundation’s Board of Directors on stage at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, met fellow honorees from across the country, participated in leadership and career-focused programming, and engaged with their elected officials on Capitol Hill.
Over the span of the Summit, 193 members of the House and Senate met with their constituents, allowing medalists to share their Congressional Award journeys and discuss the service, goal-setting, perseverance, and personal growth required to earn Congress’ highest honor for youth civilians.
The 2026 Gold Medalists were also recognized in the Congressional Record. A full list of honorees can be found here.
“This year’s Gold Medalists represent the very best of what young people can accomplish when they set meaningful goals and commit themselves to service, growth, and exploration,” said Erica Heyse, National Director of The Congressional Award. “For many of these students and families, traveling to Washington, D.C. and meeting with their elected officials is the culmination of years of hard work. The Summit gives us the opportunity not only to celebrate what they have achieved, but also to remind them that this medal is a foundation for a lifetime of leadership, civic engagement, and impact.”
The Summit included remarks and participation from Members of Congress who joined attendees through official programming, recognition moments, and Capitol Hill engagement, including Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Dale Strong (AL-05), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Senators Ben Ray Luján (NM) and Cynthia Lummis (WY). Their participation underscored the bipartisan congressional support behind The Congressional Award and the importance of recognizing young Americans who are serving and strengthening their communities.
Throughout the three-day Summit, Gold Medalists participated in panel discussions, networking sessions, a STEM Stars Reception, congressional meetings, a group photo on Capitol Hill, and attendance at the 2026 Congressional Baseball Game. Programming highlighted key themes connected to the Congressional Award experience, including innovation, civic engagement, career exploration, STEM, service, travel, and leadership.
