CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Centennial High School Senior Nailah Mansury has been selected to receive the prestigious Congressional Award Gold Medal, one of the highest honors for youth in the United States. Established by Congress in 1979, the award recognizes young people for their initiative, service, and achievement. Nailah is the first recipient of this honor from Champaign.
Throughout her four years at Centennial, Nailah has demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance in fulfilling the demanding requirements of the Congressional Award program. The program, which is funded entirely by the private sector, is open to all U.S. youth aged 14 to 24, regardless of background or circumstances. Participants work toward earning Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals by setting and achieving goals in four key areas: personal development, community service, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration.
The Gold Medal, the highest level of achievement in the program, will be presented to Nailah at a special ceremony in Washington D.C. this summer.