Congressional award students spruce up park: Platte Valley students painted their way toward an award July 24.

As part of the Wyoming Congressional Award program, Mckenzie Powell, Brett Miller, KeeGan Johnson, Konnar Knotwell, Randa Sorensen, Guy Erickson, Hunter Mason, Sarah Burton and Cassidy Little visited Kathy Glode Park manned with paint brushes and brown paint to rejuvenate the benches, tables and shelters that reside at the park. All nine students were working toward more hours for their Wyoming Congressional Award.

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all 13 to 23 year olds. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.

Guy Erickson, of Encampment School, said he has enough hours into the volunteer area to earn his silver medal, and is getting close to his gold medal.

“I started doing this when I was 15, but I have really kicked it into gear the last couple years,” he said.

Sorensen, also an Encampment School student, just started the program. She said she likes the program because the award can give her a chance to earn scholarships.

“There are a lot of youth programs out there, and the unique thing about this one is that it is not competitive,” said Janice Peterson, Executive Director of the Wyoming Congressional Award.

Children with disabilities and athletes are all welcome to participate. Once a student gets a gold medal, they receive the award in Washington D.C. from Congress, Peterson said.

“The reason we believe in the program is because for most kids it is really life-changing,” Peterson said. “It teaches a lot of career skills.”

Editor’s note: Check out our Facebook page for an interview with the students and footage of them sprucing up Kathy Glode Park.