Pallone Honors Shannon Wedel, Shore Regional High School Student, with Congressional Medal

Silver Medal Awarded for Setting and Achieving Challenging Goals, Community Service

Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) presented a Congressional Award Silver Medal to Shannon Wedel of Shore Regional High School at his office in Long Branch, New Jersey. The Congressional Award is a public private partnership created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative and service in America’s youth, ages 14 – 23. The Congressional Award provides a unique opportunity for young people to set and achieve personally challenging goals that build character and foster community service, personal development and citizenship.

To accomplish her goals, Wedel volunteered over 250 hours of community service to Sandy relief efforts, Monmouth Medical Center, and the local food pantry. Wedel also worked part-time at Caputo’s Bakery Shoppe, taught Sunday school, played on the soccer team and was a member of the school dance team. She also planned a three day and two night trip to Deleware Water Gap.

“I’m very pleased to present Shannon with this Congressional Medal, and I commend her for outstanding service to the community, especially with Sandy relief,” said Congressman Pallone. “I’m confident that Shannon’s proven ability to set goals and achieve them will lead to a bright future, and I hope Shannon’s service will inspire others to find ways to give back to the community as well.”

To earn a Congressional Award, personally challenging goals must be set and achieved in four program areas: voluntary public service; physical fitness; personal development; and expedition/exploration. There are six levels of the Congressional Award – Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals.