WASHINGTON, (June 19, 2008) – Congressman Ben Chandler presented eighteen-year-old Laura Webb with the Congressional Award Gold Medal at the Cannon House Office Building today at 10:30AM. Webb was one of 237 Gold Medal recipients to receive the recognition of the United States Congress.

“It is amazing to see what Ms. Webb has done at such an early age,” Chandler said. “I am so glad that we had the chance today to recognize this outstanding young woman from Central Kentucky for her commitment and dedication to her community.  Her service is an inspiration to us all.”

Receiving the Congressional Award Gold Medal is no easy feat.  Each participant must be between the ages of 14 and 23 and must spend two years or more completing at least 400 hours of community service, 200 hours of personal development/physical fitness activities and a four-night Expedition or Exploration. Over 25,000 young Americans are currently working toward this award.

To achieve her goal, Webb volunteered with her local chapter of Roots & Shoots which engages youth in helping the environment, community and animals. To complete other aspects of the program Webb traveled to Russia with People to People International’s Global Youth Forum Humanitarian Conference and attended the Governor’s Scholars Program.

“Seeing young people truly engaged and committed to bettering their communities is tremendous,” Chandler continued.  “Volunteerism is very important to our community development.  If each of us prioritized volunteer service like this young lady, I am sure that this world would be a much better place.”