Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) congratulated Tess Vithoulkas, from Richmond, Virginia, who received a gold medal for her Congressional Award. The Congressional Award honors students who dedicate over two years to meeting the requirements set by Congress in 1979 when it established the Congressional Award. These requirements include community service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition or exploration.

Tess Vithoulkas is a senior at J.R. Tucker High School and will be attending the 2025 Gold Medal Summit in Washington, D.C.

"I’m proud to congratulate Tess Vithoulkas on receiving this Congressional Award,” said Congressman Wittman. “This prestigious honor reflects Tess’s incredible dedication and perseverance in meeting the rigorous goals. Her achievement is a testament to the talent and determination of the young people across Virginia’s First District."

“Looking back at my service, physical fitness, personal development, and expedition goals, I feel proud of what I have accomplished,” said Tess Vithoulkas. “I have gained an appreciation of the effort it takes to be well rounded, have found lots of enjoyment helping others around me, and am motivated to continue to better myself.”

Tess volunteered more than 400 community service hours with Cards for Seniors and RVAccess, devoted 200+ hours to personal development by becoming lifeguard certified and conducting science experiments, completed over 200 hours participating on her soccer, basketball, and field hockey teams for the physical fitness requirement, and planned and led a five-day expedition to Greece. Tess’s commitment exemplifies the excellence and determination the Congressional Award seeks to recognize and promote in America’s youth. 

To learn more about the Congressional Award, visit the Congressional Award Website.

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