2 Mercer Island High School Students Win Congressional Award

MERCER ISLAND, WA - Two Mercer Island High School students have earned Congressional Award medals for their volunteer work.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Mercer Island, recently presented a bronze Congressional Award to Jessica Waller and a silver award to William "Max" Waller.

“It is a privilege to see young students like Jessica and Max demonstrating such a commitment to strengthening our communities," Smith said in a release. "Their ability to complete challenging personal goals demonstrates determination and focus. They should be extremely proud of their accomplishments."

Jessica Waller earned her award after completing over 400 hours of volunteer work at Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, and at the Settle Humane Society in Bellevue.

William Waller also earned his award (and an Eagle Scout Badge) for volunteer work. He worked with local environmental groups like Earth Corps, and at Seattle Music Partners, where he gave trombone lessons to elementary school students.

The Congressional Award program, founded in 1979, is open to youth age 14 to 23, and the awards are available at gold, silver, and bronze levels. Young people can earn medals for volunteer work, personal development, physical fitness, and expeditionary activities. Jessica and William Waller also got credit toward their award for meeting physical fitness goals.

You can learn more about the Congressional Award, including about how to sign up to earn one, at the award's website.

Images via U.S. Rep. Adam Smith