Smithtown HS East Seniors Earn U.S. Congressional Award Gold Medal

SMITHTOWN, NY — Srivaths Ravva and Vishala Swami, students at Smithtown High School East, have earned the U.S. Congress’ highest honor for youth. Both have been awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal for 2022, according to the school district.

Recipients of the Congressional Award Gold Medal are celebrated at an annual event in the nation’s capital.

Members of the U.S. Congress, public and private partners, and industry and civic leaders recognize gold medalists in front of their families and peers in a multiday recognition event.

To earn the award, participants must log a minimum of 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and take a five-day, four-night exploration, although that was done virtually this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ravva also won the President's Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal, which is presented by AmeriCorps in recognition of a commitment to strengthen the nation and local communities through volunteer service.