Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School senior Madeline Sotomayor has earned the prestigious Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor presented by the United States Congress to America’s youth.
To achieve the Gold Medal, participants must complete at least 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours each of personal development and physical fitness, and a multiday expedition or exploration experience. The rigorous process requires a minimum of 24 months to complete.

Madeline met and exceeded these requirements through years of dedication and hard work:
•    Voluntary public service: Contributed hundreds of hours to supporting the school PTA and the local community, beginning as early as sixth grade.
•    Personal development and physical fitness: Dedicated consistent time to developing new skills, interests and healthy habits that strengthened both mind and body. 
•    Expedition/exploration: Traveled to new places and experienced different cultures, broadening perspective and building confidence through stepping outside their comfort zone.

Reflecting on the journey, Madeline said, “I am so proud of how much I’ve grown through the Congressional Award program. This journey showed me that small, consistent steps can lead to big achievements. The Congressional Award helped me build confidence, perseverance and purpose — and inspired me to keep finding ways to serve and grow.”