Clarissa Miller ’24
Allegheny College student Clarissa Miller ’24 was recognized as a Congressional Award Gold Medal recipient during a ceremony hosted by Congressman John Yarmuth, who represents Kentucky’s 3rd Congressional District, in August.
Established into law in 1979, the Congressional Award was created to honor, encourage, and inspire America’s youth. To earn the gold medal, each participant must complete at least 400 hours of voluntary public service, which means sharing their time and talent for the betterment of the community, 200 hours of personal development, which can include developing social and life skills as well as interests, and 200 hours of physical fitness, spent in any way that improves their health and quality of life. Additionally, they must spend at least four consecutive overnights exploring a new environment or culture.
Miller, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, is currently studying environmental geology with minors in Arabic and political science at Allegheny. In addition, she is a resident advisor, Global Citizen Scholar, and the vice president of Sigma Gamma Epsilon.
Through the Congressional Award, Congress urges young people to challenge themselves. Any interested, motivated student aged 14 through 24 may participate in the Congressional Award by setting and achieving individually challenging goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. The Congressional Award is Congress’ only charity.
