WASHINGTON, DC -- Three Eastern Kentucky students have earned the Gold Congressional Award Medal through their exemplary achievements in The Congressional Award program. U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers presented two gold medals today during a national ceremony in Washington, D.C. to Zach Kiser from Grayson, Kentucky and Kayla Sears from Williamsburg, Kentucky. In May, Congressman Rogers also presented the gold medal to John Garland, who has since graduated from Somerset Christian School. To earn the medals, each student set and achieved personal goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.

"Students who earn the prestigious Gold Congressional Award Medal have demonstrated an extremely high level of iniative, service and achievement," said Congressman Rogers. "It lets our universities and employers know that these young people will make great college students and leaders among their peers in the business world. I'm extremely proud of our students in southern and eastern Kentucky who are participating in the program and especially our three students who earned the gold medal this year." 

All students age 14 to 24 can participate in The Congressional Award program by registering online at http://congressionalaward.org. 

Zach Kiser, Gold Medalist from Grayson, Ky.

Kayla Sears, Gold Medalist from Williamsburg, Ky

John Garland, Gold Medalist from Somerset, Ky.