Last week, U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., presented the Bronze Level Congressional Award to a Sarasota High School student, Kai Meighan. The Congressional Award was created to honor young Americans. The award is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. It recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in America’s youth.

“Kai Meighan is an outstanding representation of Florida’s 17th Congressional District. For one of the award’s pillars, Meighan selected to improve the Sarasota Bay. Through multiple projects, Meighan removed invasive species from the bay and voluntarily recorded data on the sea life populations and seagrass in the bay. I’m pleased to present this national honor to a Sarasota student and encourage all FL-17 students to apply for the award in the future,” said Steube.

The United States Congress established the Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It began as a bipartisan effort with the original bill sponsored by then U.S. Sen. Malcolm Wallop, R-Wy., and then U.S. Rep. James Howard, D-NJ.

The enabling legislation established the Congressional Award as a private-public partnership, which receives all funding from the private sector. The legislation was originally signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump have each signed continuing legislation.

Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.