Lafayette Student Earns Congressional Award Silver Medal

Lafayette High senior Chloe Kim has earned the US Congressional Award Silver Medal for achievement in the areas of voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.

The Congressional Award was created in 1979 to honor, encourage and inspire America’s youth. In the ensuing years, Congress has recognized thousands of outstanding young Americans who have earned and deserve admiration and recognition.

Through the Congressional Award, Congress urges young people to challenge themselves. Students participate in the Congressional Award by setting and achieving individually challenging goals according to their own interests and level of abilities.

Kim earned the Congressional Award Silver Medal by completing complete at least 200 hours of voluntary public service - sharing her time and talent for the betterment of the community - 100 hours of personal development, which can include developing social and life skills as well as interests, and 100 hours of physical fitness spent in any way that improves their health and quality of life. Additionally, she spent at least three days and two nights exploring a new environment or culture.

Kim said she plans to continue her service at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after graduation, hoping to earn a Gold Medal.

Here, in Kim's words, is how she earned her Silver Medal:

"My main activity was volunteering at my local St. Louis County Library (SLCL), the Daniel Boone Library. I began as a teen volunteer at the Daniel Boone Library at the start of my sophomore year and have currently done more than 170 hours of service. I play an important role in keeping the environment of the library as organized and neat as possible so kids and families can enjoy their time at the library. This activity has been very special to be because I grew up spending a lot of my time at libraries, and it feels nostalgic to be working there as a high school senior now. Throughout this journey, I received a lot of support from the youth librarians at the Daniel Boone Library, who have always been supportive of my accomplishments and understanding of any circumstances. Without them, my time as a library volunteer would not have been as enjoyable. Though I will be unable to continue as a teen volunteer upon my graduation, I still will cherish the memories I made while volunteering and spending time offering my support and help to children and families.

"For the past two summers, I also participated in creating and leading a student-led nonprofit project with my friends where we sell handmade crafts -- such as crochet and felt keychains and beaded jewelry -- at our local Wildwood Farmers Market and donate all of our funds to the St. Louis Ronald McDonald House Charities to help support families and children in need. We utilized their wishlist online to purchase any and all items that they need and delivered them all at the end of summer. We also participated in Wildwood's annual Christmas Market, where we made winter- and Christmas-themed items for our booth. With all the money collected, whether it was during the summer or winter, we made sure that it provided sufficient help to those in need."