Press Releases

Today, Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) honored Megan Pollon of San Luis Obispo and Kai Fisher of Santa Barbara for earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal. Megan and Kai received this award for their 400 hours of community service on the Central Coast, and for setting challenging goals for their own development and personal growth. 

To earn the Congressional Award Gold Medal, Megan spent hundreds of hours delivering food from grocery stores to the God's Storehouse, a Food Pantry overseen by the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County, and coaching violin with the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony. Kai spent most his volunteer hours at The Santa Barbara Friendship Center, a care center for Alzheimer’s patients and he also served as an Assistant Chaplain at the Santa Barbara County jail.

“Megan and Kai set an example at a young age, not only for their peers, but for all Central Coast residents in their commitment to serving our communities over these past few years,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I was so pleased to present Congressional Gold Medals to these exemplary leaders from the 24^th District today.”

"As part of my community service, I worked for God’s Storehouse which is part of the Food Bank in San Luis Obispo to feed needy families in our community,” said Megan Pollon.  “Doing so taught me how many struggle to get by even in our incredible town and how many wonderful and giving neighbors are helping those less fortunate.  The Congressional Award program encouraged and gave me a chance to serve those around me."

“Working towards the Gold Medal has taught me the value of setting and achieving goals,” said Kai Fisher.” My service reflects a desire to have my community thrive and succeed. My interest in community service stemmed from my love of volunteering at The Friendship Center in Santa Barbara, an organization providing day services for aging and dependent adults. I wanted to contribute to the work of this important organization and support the individuals who have contributed so much over their lifetimes.”

Background:

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress' award for young Americans. The program is open to all 14 to 23-year-olds. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals by achieving their own challenging personal goals.  Since its inception in 1979, more than 49,000 people have earned Congressional Award Medals and have completed more than 3.5 million volunteer service hours.

The Congressional Award Foundation requires those interested in earning the Congressional Award to set goals in four established areas including voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration. 

To earn the Congressional Gold Medal, like Megan and Kai, students must spend two or more years completing 400 hours of community service and focus an additional 200 hours on personal development and physical fitness.

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