From across the nation, 373 youth from 39 states received the Congressional Award Gold Medal by members of the United State Senate and House of Representatives. Among these students was Sarah Laible of Lehighton.

These gold medalists logged in at least 800 hours of volunteer work within two years. Laible is the founder of Kids Gone M.A.D., an organization to encourage teenagers to “Make A Difference.” Her website is www.kidsgonemad.org.

As part of Kids Gone M.A.D., Laible has organized two 5K run/walk races. The most recent race was held on Aug. 26 at Tuscarora State Park in Barnesville. Funds raised from the races are donated to the Schuylkill League Cross Country Teams, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Operation Christmas Child, and any other organization that a runner wants to help.

“By creating a nonprofit organization, I can encourage students and people to give back to one’s community and Make a Difference here and around the world,” she said.

Laible has also hosted five blood drives for the American Red Cross, and she planned an excursion to Japan where she hiked Mount Fuji. She recently from Madagascar where she helped to distribute Operation Christmas Child boxes with the Oasis Christian Center Youth Vision Trip team. Operation Christmas Child is a nationwide project that provides gifts to 1,000 children, some who may have never received a gift before.

Laible is a junior in high school and is home-schooled. She received her award during an afternoon ceremony on June 21 at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center’s Congressional Auditorium, located on Capitol Hill. The Master of Ceremony was CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, special guest U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-California, and Senate and House members who were on hand to present the awards to their constituents.

Many national and state award opportunities are available to youths and young adults. The Congressional Award is U.S. Congress’ only charity and the highest honor given to a young person through the Senate and House. The program was established by Congress as a public-private partnership in 1979. Its purpose is to encourage and recognize initiative, service and achievement in young people between the ages of 14 to 23.