Marquette Student Earns Congressional Award Bronze Medal

Deleena Mehrotra, a rising Marquette High sophomore, has earned the Congressional Award Bronze Medal, recognizing initiative, service and achievement.

Founded in 1979, the Congressional Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a youth civilian through the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Students are encouraged to set and achieve goals in four categories: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.

Bronze Medal recipients like Mehrotra must have completed 100 hours of voluntary public service and 50 hours each of personal developmena and physical fitness over seven months, along with a two-day/one-night expedition/exploration that is "a new, unique experience" requiring the applicant to leave their comfort zone or daily routine. In 2024, only 3,300 students from around the nation earned at least a Bronze Medal.

The Gold Medal -- the highest level -- calls for 400 hours of voluntary public service and 200 hours each of personal development and physical fitness over 24 hours, as well as a five-day/four-night expedition/exploration.

"Earning the Congressional Award was such a rewarding adventure!" Mehrotra said. "I volunteered at a skilled nursing facility, taught kids at my taekwondo studio and served through student council. I stayed active by training in taekwondo and working toward my black belt. As the leader of the Stock Market Club and a member of HOSA and Science Olympiad, I explored my passions in finance, healthcare and science. This award pushed me to grow, give back and go beyond my comfort zone, and I’m excited to keep reaching for Gold!"