U.S. Rep Howard “Buck” McKeon, awarded Santa Clarita resident Devon Black with a Congressional Bronze Medal for her participation in the Congressional Award Program.

“The Congressional Award program has challenged me to new levels and taught me about myself in the process. I truly enjoyed my volunteer and service opportunities in my community.” said Devon, “I was able to push myself to new levels in personal development and learned about a different culture and way of life with an expedition to Crimea. It was an honor to be presented with the Congressional Award by Congressman McKeon at our City Hall office in Valencia.”

The Congressional Award Program was established in 1979 and awards young people from 14 to 24 years old for outstanding accomplishments in public service. Each participant must complete a minimum number of hours in the four program areas: Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. The program is open to all young people, but requires time, dedication, and commitment to complete. Participants must keep an extensive record book and are awarded once they reach each level of achievement; bronze, silver, and gold.

Devon is a recent graduate of Trinity Classical Academy with a Distinguished Scholars Diploma and will be attending NYU this fall to study Communications, Media and Culture. In earning her Congressional Award Bronze Medal, Devon volunteered over 100 hours of service by helping to build homes and distribute food and clothing to needy families in her community. For her Personal Development goal, Devon worked as an intern, where she acquired vast office experience and learned valuable information about the entertainment industry. For her physical fitness goal, Devon trained to improve her cheerleading skills through physical training and conditioning, she has competed in numerous competitions. For her Expedition, Devon took a trip to the Crimean Peninsula, where she immersed herself in the Crimean Tatar community by working with the youth.

To learn more about the Congressional Award visit: http://www.congressionalaward.or/about.php