Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) presented Hopkins High School student Katherine Craemer with the Congressional Award Silver Medal in a presentation Wednesday evening. The Congressional Award is given to young Americans that set and meet goals in four program areas; voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Congress established the award in 1979 and youth between ages 13 and 23 are eligible to participate.

In order to qualify for a silver medal, a participant must devote a minimum of 400 hours and 12 months to the program. For her Voluntary Public Service, Craemer spent her time assisting at Methodist Hospital and Chapel View Nursing Home. For personal development and physical fitness, she honed her swimming and running skills along with participating in a half marathon. Craemer completed the expedition portion by planning a three day trip in a rustic cottage with no running water.

“For over three and a half decades, the Congressional Award has helped young people grow in their personal development,” said Paulsen. “The silver medal is a tangible award that recognizes the intangible benefits of developing initiative, serving others, and reaching personal goals. I congratulate Katherine on her hard work and dedication in this achievement.”    

Congressman Paulsen with Congressional Award Silver Medal recipient Katherine Craemer

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

###