Knox County Teen Receives Congressional Award

WASHINGTON - Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.) honored the extraordinary achievements of one of his young constituents Monday with the awarding of the Congressional Award Silver Medal.

Courtney Bowditch, 18, received the honor after volunteering 200 hours of community service and meeting several other benchmarks, including physical fitness.  The Powell High School student received the award in a private ceremony in Rep. Duncan’s Knoxville office, surrounded by her father Joe, mother Andrea and sister Kara.

“Courtney is an amazing young person and very deserving of this award,” Duncan said.  “Her personal achievements deserve to be recognized, and I am very pleased the U.S. Congress created this award to distinguish youth like Courtney.”

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress' award for young Americans.  It was established in 1979 by the Congressional Award Act.  More than 6,500 Congressional Awards have been earned, representing well over 1.5 million volunteer hours performed in community service across America.

“We live in one of the most popular and amazing places in the Country, and Courtney is a product of East Tennessee and her loving upbringing.  I know she will inspire other youth to roll up their sleeves and work to better their community and give back to those who are not as fortunate.  I can not wait to see what great things she will accomplish in college and beyond,” Duncan continued.

The non-partisan program is open to all 14- to- 23-year-olds. Participants may earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves meeting goals in four program areas: volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition and exploration.