Richland High School senior, Marjorie Bunch, has achieved a remarkable honor by earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest recognition presented by the United States Congress to young people.

About the Congressional Award

Established into law in 1979, the Congressional Award is Congress’s only charity and serves to recognize, honor, and inspire America’s youth. Students ages 13½ to 23 may participate by setting and reaching challenging, individually tailored goals in four program areas:

• Voluntary Public Service

• Personal Development

• Physical Fitness

• Expedition/Exploration

The award is open to all students and adapts to each participant’s interests and abilities. To earn the Gold Medal, participants must dedicate at least 400 hours to Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours to Personal Development, 200 hours to Physical Fitness, and complete a multi-day exploration of a new environment or culture. The journey typically takes a minimum of 24 months to complete.

Marjorie’s Accomplishments

Marjorie began working toward the award in 2022 and logged countless hours serving her community and growing personally. Her achievements included:

• Voluntary Public Service: Volunteering with the Academy of Children’s Theatre, YMCA Camp Reed in Spokane, Richland High Girls Swim & Dive camps, preparing for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and regularly serving meals with her family at the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.

• Personal Development: Completing a two-year process of confirmation in the Catholic Church and participating in Mock Trial, where her team advanced to the state competition.

• Physical Fitness: Training and competing as a member of Richland High’s swim and golf teams.

• Expedition/Exploration: A five-day solo journey with a visiting friend from Ireland, traveling over 600 miles throughout Seattle, Portland, and the Pacific Northwest, using multiple forms of transportation to immerse themselves in new environments and cultures.

A Community Celebration

Earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal represents years of dedication, perseverance, and service. Marjorie’s achievement not only highlights her personal commitment but also reflects the values of Richland School District in supporting students who strive for excellence in and beyond the classroom.

Please join us in congratulating Marjorie Bunch on this extraordinary accomplishment!