JACKSONVILLE – U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean (FL-04) presented the Silver Level Congressional Award to Fleming Island student Luke Cooper on Monday. The Congressional Award is one of the highest honors Congress can bestow upon America’s youth.

“The Congressional Award Foundation was created to recognize initiative, service and achievement in young people. There are exceptionally few who meet these lofty goals, and Luke is one of them. Luke volunteered more than 100 hours at Safe Animal Shelter in Clay County, where he cared for homeless animals and fostered cats and kittens until they found forever homes. Luke is a prime example of the star quality in Florida’s Fourth District, and I’m pleased to present this national honor to a Fleming Island student,” Bean said.

The U.S. Congress established The Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It began as a bipartisan effort in the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. The original bill was sponsored by Sen. Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming and Rep. James Howard of New Jersey.
The enabling legislation established The Congressional Award as a private-public partnership that receives all private-sector funding. The legislation was originally signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald J. Trump signed continuing legislation.
Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration.