Striking gold

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi announced that Encampment and Saratoga have more Congressional gold medals per city than any other in the nation, a press release from the Wyoming Congressional Award Council (WCAC) said.

Fifty-eight young citizens were recognized by the congressional delegation for earning Bronze, Silver and Gold congressional awards. Earning Gold from the Platte Valley were Sarah Burton, Ashlynn Johnson, Cassidy Little and Cristian Soles. Silver medalists were McKenzie Powell and Jarom Herring, with Herring also earning his Bronze. Bronze medalists were Katlynne Hytrek and Makiya Johnson.

The release added that advisors were critical in helping students achieve their goals, including Heather Bartlett, Tiffany Herring, Terri Hinkle, Rick Martin, Janice Peterson, Brook Powell and Jordan Seitz.

Senator John Barrasso, Senator Mike Enzi, Secretary of State Edward F. Murray III and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow presented the medals for initiative, service and achievement at the state ceremony held in Cheyenne on April 24.

The recipients were honored for setting challenging goals in the areas of volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition or inspiration, the release said.

Goals are determined by personal interests and skills and individualized to each participant. Earning a Bronze medal requires at least a seven month commitment, while earning the Gold medal involves two or more years and 400 hours of service. Gold medalists also also receive a $2,000 higher education scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C. for the national ceremony to be held on June 16 in the U.S. capitol, the release said.