Ridgefield High School Senior, Charlotte Bowler, recently earned the 2023 Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor a member of the United States Senate or House of Representatives may bestow upon a youth civilian. The award is given annually to student leaders who have intentionally devoted their time to goal-setting and community engagement.
During the past three years, Charlotte has dedicated more than 1,700 hours across all four program areas including voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration to earn her Gold Medal. Charlotte started working towards her Congressional Award goals near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenge allowed her to stay active and connected in the community.
“There are so many amazing local opportunities to help others, to work towards personal goals, and to push yourself to try new things outside your comfort zone” stated Bowler. “Volunteering for Woodcock Nature Center and Danbury Grassroots Academy, serving on the Ridgefield Youth Commission, working at Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe, and playing on the RHS Varsity Tennis Team are just a few of the incredible experiences that helped push me towards my goals. I am so grateful for the many mentors and coaches that helped support me during this challenge.”
In addition to earning the Congressional Award, Charlotte has been serving the local community for over 5 years through the Ridgefield Lion’s Heart Service Group and has also been awarded the President’s Volunteer Service “Gold” Medal. She also is part of the RHS National Honor Society.
Charlotte has been invited to a National Ceremony for Congressional Award Gold Medal recipients which will be held this June in Washington, D.C. Her award will be presented by the members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
*Image credit Michele Williams
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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT
