Pallone Recognizes Local Students’ Achievement with Congressional Award

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) presented two local high school students, Trevor Somers and Mollie Somers, with their Congressional Award Medals. The medals were given in recognition of the work they have both done to better their community and the goals they have set for their own personal development. The Congressional Award is the highest honor bestowed upon America’s youth. To earn the Award, recipients must set and achieve goals in the four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Congressman Pallone recognized their achievements at his district office in Long Branch, New Jersey.

“I’m very pleased to present Mollie and Trevor with these Congressional Medals today, and I commend them both for their extraordinary service to our community,” said Congressman Pallone. “They are outstanding young adults, and I am confident that their proven abilities to set goals and achieve them will lead to bright futures. I hope that Mollie and Trevor’s service will inspire others to find ways to give back to the community as well.”

This year’s silver medalist is Mollie Somers, a resident of Monmouth Beach, New Jersey and a student at The Peddie School. In earning her Congressional Award Silver Medal, Mollie volunteered 200 hours of service through Soccer Without Borders, where she served as an Ambassador for the program. Mollie also ran the New Jersey Half Marathon and completed a bike trip from New Jersey to Washington, DC, camping along the way and learning about the geography and history of the areas she traveled through.

This year’s bronze medalist is Trevor Somers, also a resident of Monmouth Beach, New Jersey and a student at Christian Brothers Academy. In earning his Congressional Award Bronze Medal, Trevor volunteered 100 hours of service through the Monmouth Beach Fire Company and helped with various disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Trevor also dedicated himself to decreasing his personal cross country time on his home course and traveled to both Goat Island and Timber Island to explore and camp overnight.

Established in 1979, the Congressional Award was created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative, and service in America’s youth. The Congressional Award is open to all young people ages 14 to 23. The Congressional Awards is also non-competitive, and medals are presented to all young people who meet the requirements, regardless of physical, mental or socioeconomic circumstances.