WASHINGTON D.C. — Christian Pugh, 17, of Ephrata, was awarded Congress’ highest award for youth by Fourth Congressional District Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

Pugh was among 325 recipients of the Congressional Award Gold Medal, with Thursday’s annual ceremony recognizing youth who have dedicated hundreds of hours of service to their local communities.

“I congratulate Christian Pugh on earning this Congressional Award Gold Medal,” Newhouse said. “Christian has proven to be a diligent young leader in his community, demonstrating the value of serving others and achieving excellence in his personal goals.”

Pugh, an Eagle Scout, earned the award for his community service work as Boy Scout counselor and for working as a youth leader and mentor to a group of local Cub Scouts. In addition to earning numerous merit badges, Pugh competes in cross country and tennis at Ephrata High School and earned his Scout merit badges for physical fitness. He was able to meet his exploration goal, which is required to receive the gold medal award, by leading his Boy Scout troop on a 50-mile hike through Olympic National Park.

“Christian is an example of good citizenship, especially for his peers, I know that this young man has a bright future,” Newhouse stated.

The Congressional Award Gold Medal was introduced in 1979 and has recognized thousands of youth for their dedication to service, with over 7.5 million hours of public service logged over the years. Over 48,000 students across the U.S. are currently working to earn the coveted award.

Each participant is required to spend two or more years completing at least 400 hours of community service, 200 hours of personal development and physical fitness activities, and a four-night expedition or exploration. Gold medalists are recognized in Washington, D.C. by a member of their congressional district and presented the award, which is struck by the United States Mint. Eight of the 325 gold medalists in 2016 hailed from Washington in 2016.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.