Rep. Kevin Brady Honors 10 Woodlands Students With Congressional Awards

THE WOODLANDS, TX — Ten local students were presented Congressional Medals on Sept. 20 by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady during a special ceremony at the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Courthouse.

The students, many of whom were siblings, earned the awards through hours of public service and volunteer work in their community. (Want to get daily news updates and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free The Woodlands Patch morning newsletter.)

“These young people we are honoring today are receiving Congressional awards, and they really represent the best of America in so many ways,” Brady said. “They are committed to bettering themselves and giving back to the community.”

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive, and is a program open to all young people, ages 14 to 23.

Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas; Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.

The award recipients on Wednesday were all between the ages of 15 to 19, with all either taking college courses, or aspiring to a higher education later on:

• Maddie Mae Custer, 16, a junior with Mother of Divine Grace Homeschool and a Lone Star College–Montgomery dual credit student who earned the Bronze Congressional Medal.
• Henry Lyons, 17, a junior at The John Cooper School, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, the Interact Club, the TOPS Program and with Hurricane Harvey recovery, who earned the Silver Congressional Medal.
• Sam Lyons, 15, a sophomore at The John Cooper School, is a soccer player and an active committee member for Habitat for Humanity earned the Bronze Congressional Medal.
• Carina Masuelli, 17, a senior at The John Cooper School, is a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and National Hispanic Scholar who has acted in school musical and released an album of her original music, and earned a Bronze Congressional Medal.
• Brian Seelig, 19, a University of Oklahoma sophomore majoring in Aviation, earned a Silver Congressional Media. An Air Force JROTC student and Scout, Brian puts his background as a science camp volunteer to work as a member of the University of Oklahoma NIFA flight team.
• Catherine Seelig, 18, a Texas A&M University freshman studying Chemical Engineering earned a Silver Congressional Medal. In high school, she was a member of the track team and volunteered at a senior care home and with many community events as well as participating in UIL Music competitions, band and Chamber Music Festivals.
• Emily Seelig, 16, a sophomore at The Woodlands High School, earned both Bronze and Silver Congressional Medals. Emily is active in The Woodlands High School Band and has volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Children’s Museum, a local food pantry and other organizations.
• Nivedhitha "Nila" Selvaraj, 18, a freshman at The University of Texas at Austin, is pursuing a double major in Computer Science in the Turing Scholars Honors Program and the Plan II Honors Program. While at The Woodlands High School, Nila earned both Bronze and Silver Congressional Medals.
• Allison Sharer, 15, a freshman at The Woodlands High School is an accomplished gymnast, track and field athlete and community volunteer. In addition to earning her Silver Congressional Medal, Allison has achieved numerous honors for her charity and Girl Scout endeavors, serves on the student council and has participated in citizen scientist projects through Gulf Coast MENSA.
• Ashley Sharer, 15, a freshman at The Woodlands High School, is a highly decorated Girl Scout, volunteer and student athlete with numerous track and field wins in long distance running, the triple jump, pole vault and swimming competitions. In addition to earning her Silver Congressional Medal, Ashley helped her Robotics team score multiple competition awards and participated in citizen scientist projects through Gulf Coast MENSA.

After the presentation, the students shared why receiving the awards were so important to them as individuals.

Sam Lyons said working toward the Congressional Award was a fun and rewarding experience.

“I really enjoyed working with Habitat for Humanity, and seeing how our contributions can affect other people,” he said. “(The award) “shows all the time and effort that I put into myself and my community.”

To register for the Congressional Awards Program, or to learn more, click here.

Images: Bryan Kirk/Patch Staff

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