On Sunday, April 22, 169 young citizens — including two from Uinta County — were recognized by the congressional delegation for earning bronze, silver and gold Wyoming Congressional Awards.

U.S. Sens Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Buchanan, Wyoming State Treasurer Mark Gordon and Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow presented the medals for initiative, service and achievement at the annual ceremony at the Cheyenne Civic Center. 

From Evanston, earning a bronze medal was Ian Siegismund. Madison Bindl of Fort Bridger also earned a bronze medal. In order to earn a bronze medal, participants completed 100 hours of volunteer service, 50 hours of personal development, 50 hours of physical fitness and executed a one-night exploration or expedition.

Siegismund was advised by program executive director Trista Ostrom. Bindl was advised by Wyoming Congressional Award Board Chair Laura Schmid-Pizzato. 

The Gold Congressional Award is the most prestigious award for youth and the only award given to students by the U.S. Congress. In order to earn the Gold Congressional Award, participants must complete at least 400 hours of volunteer service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness and execute a four-night and five-day exploration or expedition. 

Each recipient was honored for setting challenging goals in the areas of voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.  

Goals are determined by personal interests and skills and individualized to each participant.

Earning a bronze medal requires at least a seven-month commitment, while earning the gold medal involves two or more years.  

Gold medalists also receive a $2,000 higher education scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the national ceremony that will be held June 21 at the U.S. Capitol.