WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) proudly hosted Pennsylvania’s First District 2024 Congressional Award Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of young community leaders who exemplify exceptional leadership, character, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service. Established by Congress in 1979, the Congressional Award is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress upon youth and serves as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and leadership of the next generation.
This year’s honorees—Ryan Kraychik, Sarah Liu, and Claire Titus— stand out for their remarkable dedication to volunteerism, personal growth, and community service. Their efforts showcase the power of young individuals to create meaningful change and inspire a brighter future for all.
- Ryan Kraychik, Gold Award
A graduate of Council Rock South and a freshman at Elizabethtown College (Class of 2027), Ryan Kraychik earned the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal through over 400 hours of extraordinary volunteer service. Motivated to help children affected by the war in Ukraine, Ryan founded a virtual tutoring program to provide academic stability to displaced school-age children, offering them hope during an uncertain time.
Ryan volunteered at a hospital where he provided translation services to patients and spearheaded the creation of the Future Healthcare Professionals Club at Council Rock South. Under his leadership, the club grew to over 100 members, cultivating a passion for medicine and service among his peers.
- Sarah Liu, Silver Award
Sarah, a senior at Germantown Friends School, earned the Congressional Silver Medal for dedicating over 200 hours to volunteer service, showcasing her passion for healthcare and education. Sarah volunteered at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, assisting in various departments, including pre-admissions, admissions, and the operating room. Her responsibilities ranged from organizing patient charts and setting up beds to cleaning after surgeries and taking patient vitals.
At Jefferson Hospital, Sarah focused on supporting the oral and maxillofacial surgery department, where she assisted during procedures, cleaned rooms, removed IVs, and entered patient vitals into the computer system. Beyond her hospital work, Sarah demonstrated a commitment to education by hosting SAT math boot camps, where she helped groups of students build confidence and improve their scores, making the test less daunting.
- Claire Titus, Bronze Award
Claire, a sophomore at Central Bucks West, earned the Congressional Bronze Medal for dedicating over 100 hours to community service, driven by her passion for helping others. Recognizing the challenges children faced transitioning back to an in-person world after the Covid-19 lockdowns, Claire developed a two-hour curriculum for children ages 9 to 12. Her classes focused on everyday manners, including greetings, dining etiquette, and social courtesies. After earning her Girl Scout Silver Award, Claire expanded her program across multiple Pennsylvania counties, teaching over 120 children and equipping them with essential life skills.
Claire has also been a dedicated volunteer at the Doylestown Library since the age of 12, accumulating hundreds of hours of service and earning her multiple President’s Volunteer Service recognition.
Remarking on what receiving the Congressional Award meant to her, Sarah Liu, Congressional Silver Award recipient stated that: “Receiving this recognition from Congressman Fitzpatrick means a lot to me. It feels great to know that my efforts are appreciated, and this encourages me to continue making a positive impact in my community.”
Claire Titus, Congressional Bronze Award recipient added, “Having the opportunity to meet with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick was a memory I will keep with me. The recognition I received from him incentivizes me to continue my efforts and continue to achieve new and higher goals.”
“In honoring Ryan, Sarah, and Claire, we celebrate not only their incredible achievements but their promise as future leaders. These remarkable young individuals remind us that greatness is born of dedication, resilience, and a willingness to lead by example,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-1). Their service and impact on our community are extraordinary, and I know this is just the beginning of their successes. I look forward to seeing the continued outstanding contributions they will make in the years to come.”
More about the Congressional Award:
The Congressional Award was established by Congress to recognize initiative, achievement, and service in America’s youth. Open to all regardless of ability, circumstance, or socioeconomic status, the program fosters leadership and personal growth while encouraging participants to take an active role in their communities.
The program is a non-partisan, non-competitive initiative that encourages young people aged 14 to 24 to strive for excellence. Participants set challenging personal goals in four program areas: volunteerism, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Depending on the time and effort they dedicate, participants earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold medals—each a testament to their perseverance and dedication.
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