McNerney Honors Danville, Pleasanton Students with Congressional Gold Medal Awards

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) welcomed students from the 11th Congressional District to Washington, D.C. yesterday to receive Congressional Gold Medal Awards.Two of the gold medal recipients, Kristen and Stephanie Glass are from Danville, CA.  Sarah Williams, the third recipient, is from Pleasanton, CA.  Each student dedicated many hours to volunteering, personal development and physical fitness in order to achieve their gold medals, the program’s highest commendation.  

“I’m thrilled to honor Kristen, Stephanie and Sarah for their Congressional Gold Medal Awards,” said Rep. McNerney.  “They each dedicated many hours to volunteering in the community and striving for personal development and physical fitness.  I’m proud to recognize them for this special achievement.”

Kristen Glass completed over 650 volunteer hours through “Make It or Break It”, a non-profit she co-founded with her sister dedicated to educating children and teenagers about the importance of bone health.  She also plays competitive tennis and sings.

Stephanie Glass completed over 600 volunteer hours working for Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute and educating young children about the importance of bone health through the "Make It or Break It" non-profit she co-founded with her sister.  She also plays competitive tennis and serves as a class representative at her high school.

Sarah Williams completed thousands of volunteer hours through her “Creative Kindness” blanket project that ultimately produced over 2,000 blankets for foster care children.  Sarah also plays volleyball and recently took 2nd place at the Junior Art Division at the Alameda County Art Show.

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress' award for young Americans.  The program is open to all 14- to 23-year-olds, who work to 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; Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.