GVSU alumna wins Congressional Award

Grand Valley State University alumna Veronica Kirin of Grand Rapids was one of two Michigan students to win this year's Congressional Award Gold Medals. She was commended by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Carl Levin (D-Mich).

The award recognizes young Americans ages 14-23 who demonstrate exemplary initiative, achievement, and service to their community. This year's ceremony was hosted by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, as well as the Senate Finance Committee, of which Sen. Stabenow is a member.

Kirin volunteered more than 900 hours through her membership in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). She worked in the Gulf Coast aiding the communities damaged by Hurricane Katrina and organized volunteer days for Grand Valley. She also planned a trip to Slidell, Louisiana, where she built homes for Habitat for Humanity.

Kirin graduated in April with a bachelor's in anthropology and two language cognates in Spanish and French. She said the award program helped provide her with fire to keep working, even when she didn't feel like it.

"The award was very exciting to work toward. It kept me on track during school, and kept me motivated to do things like Habitat for Humanity early on a Saturday morning when I could be sleeping in or writing a paper," she said. "It also gave me a better reason than money to hold a part time job while going to school. I like the award because it gives young people a sense of accomplishment and importance — that what we do matters, too. It gets recognized. I think that's a problem for our youth — we often feel voiceless. This award allows us to feel differently."

Also honored was Joseph Jendrusina of Bessemer, Mich.

“From volunteering as a counselor at a Cub Scout summer camp to traveling to Louisiana to help construct homes for Habitat for Humanity, Veronica and Joseph have committed themselves to working to improve the lives of others,” said Stabenow. “I am so proud that they have earned this incredible honor. They are just two of Michigan's brightest stars, and they are a wonderful testament to the future of Michigan.”

Levin also offered his congratulations. “Congratulations to Veronica and Joseph for this well-deserved recognition,” said Levin. “Their hard work in interscholastic activities, volunteer work and community service serves as a wonderful example for each of us and I'm hopeful that they will continue their dedication to Michigan for years to come.”

The Congressional Award was established by Congress in 1979, and exists today as a private-public partnership. Congressional Award Gold Medal recipients have spent two or more years completing at least 400 hours of community service, 200 hours of personal development and physical fitness activities, and a four-day, self-planned trip that enhances self-reliance and provides a new cultural experience. This year, Congressional Award Gold Medal winners volunteered over 110,000 public service hours in their communities. For more information on the program, please visit www.congressionalaward.org .