High School Student Receives Congressional Award

An Avon High School student has made it his mission to give back to the community, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty presented 16-year-old Jeffrey Lewis, of Avon, with the Congressional Award Bronze Medal at Avon High School on Friday afternoon.

The award, established in 1979, recognizes young Americans between the ages of 14 and 23 who have set and achieved goals in public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.

Lewis met his public service goal by donating 100 hours of his time to Gifts of Love, a local charity that gives back to families in need. He also traveled to Peru with his church group last summer, where he helped build an adobe-brick classroom.

Lewis' personal development goal involved reading daily Christian Science lessons. He improved his physical fitness by joining the school cross country team and accomplished his expedition goal by organizing an eight-day backpacking trip in Colorado.

"His accomplishments are exceptional examples of the hard work and dedication young people throughout our district are showing to improve their communities," Esty said.

The ceremony took place Friday at 12:30 p.m. at the Avon High School Gallery at 510 West Avon Road.

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