DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — Jaxon Sweep, Mountain View High School, was one of the students nationwide to be honored at the 2023 Gold Medal Summit. hosted by The Congressional Award Foundation.

The Summit was held in Washington, D.C. from June 20 – 22.

This prestigious event brought together exceptional young individuals who had earned the esteemed Congressional Award Gold Medal, showcasing their outstanding accomplishments and commitment to community service.

Sweep said Monday, “It was so fun to be apart of the Congressional Award, to meet so many new people and learn new things about serving the community. Wyoming’s Congressional Delegation is amazing and made us feel so welcome there. It is always interesting to learn what it’s like to be in the “big city” as well!”

The Congressional Award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress upon youth, recognizing the remarkable initiative, service and achievement demonstrated by these exceptional medalists. As the first in-person Gold Medal celebration since 2019, The 2023 Gold Medal Summit served as a platform to celebrate their efforts and inspire the next generation of leaders.

During the event, Gold Medalists had the opportunity to meet and engage with Members of Congress, fostering a deeper understanding and connection between these exceptional youth leaders and their elected representatives. Over 100 individual meetings with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate took place, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and enabling participants to discuss important issues and share their personal experiences.

The students also were able to participate in a lineup of dynamic panel discussions on key topics. In collaboration with the Congressional Award's STEM Stars initiative partner, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, the “STEM Education” panel focused on promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. The "Service & Advocacy" panel highlighted the significance of community service and advocacy efforts in driving positive change. The "Women Empowerment" panel explored the role of women leaders in society and emphasized the importance of gender equality. Lastly, the "Pathway to Career" panel provided insights and guidance on building successful careers and pursuing meaningful professional pathways.

"The 2023 Gold Medal Summit was an incredible celebration of the exceptional achievements of our Congressional Award Gold Medalists from across the country," said Paxton Baker, chairman of the Board of Directors at The Congressional Award. "We witnessed firsthand the transformative power of youth leadership and their commitment to making a positive difference in society. The Summit provided a platform for recognition, inspiration, and networking that will propel these young leaders to even greater heights."