Student Awarded Congressional Gold Medal for STEM

Daksh Suryadevara ’27 was recognized as part of the 2026 Congressional Award Gold Medal Class and attended this year’s Gold Medal Summit in Washington, D.C. Daksh also earned the Congressional Award STEM Star designation, which recognizes Medalists who completed Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math-related activities as part of their Congressional Award journey.

Reflecting on what it means to earn the Congressional Award Gold Medal, Daksh shared:

“Participating in the Congressional Award program has been a meaningful part of my high school journey. I’ve taken on greater responsibility, developed leadership skills, and gained a broader awareness of my community. Through personal development and service, I connected learning to real-life impact. The program strengthened my accountability, discipline, and time management, preparing me to stay active and continue serving others beyond high school.”

From June 8-10, the Congressional Award Foundation recognized 877 young Americans as part of the 2026 Gold Medal Class, honoring their extraordinary commitment to voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition or exploration. These medalists received their medals from members of The Congressional Award Foundation’s Board of Directors on stage at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, met fellow honorees from across the country, participated in leadership and career-focused programming, and engaged with their elected officials on Capitol Hill.

Over the span of the Summit, 193 members of the House and Senate met with their constituents, allowing medalists to share their Congressional Award journeys and discuss the service, goal-setting, perseverance, and personal growth required to earn Congress’s highest honor for youth civilians.

“This year’s Gold Medalists represent the very best of what young people can accomplish when they set meaningful goals and commit themselves to service, growth, and exploration,” said Erica Heyse, National Director of The Congressional Award. “For many of these students and families, traveling to Washington, D.C. and meeting with their elected officials is the culmination of years of hard work. The Summit gives us the opportunity not only to celebrate what they have achieved, but also to remind them that this medal is a foundation for a lifetime of leadership, civic engagement, and impact.”

Throughout the three-day Summit, Gold Medalists participated in panel discussions, networking sessions, a STEM Stars Reception, congressional meetings, a group photo on Capitol Hill, and attendance at the 2026 Congressional Baseball Game. Programming highlighted key themes connected to the Congressional Award experience, including innovation, civic engagement, career exploration, STEM, service, travel, and leadership.